Illinois Senate Approves Medical Marijuana Bill
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- The Illinois Senate passed a bill today, 30-28, that would allow seriously ill patients with certain debilitating conditions to use marijuana for medical purposes if their physician has recommended it.
SB 1381, which passed with both Republican and Democratic support, now moves to the House for consideration. A companion bill, HB 2514, passed a House committee in March, but proponents expect the House to take up the Senate's version for debate.
"I'm very proud of my fellow senators for recognizing modern scientific research, listening to reason, and passing this very sensible bill," said sponsor Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), a four-term former state's attorney. "This bill has been amended several times to address the concerns of law enforcement and the version we're sending to the House would likely be the most strictly controlled medical marijuana law in the country."
"I've been pleading with our legislators to enact this law for five years now," said Julie Falco, a Chicago resident who has lived with multiple sclerosis for over 20 years. "This medicine not only helps me control my muscle spasms and pain, it has also allowed me to discontinue using virtually all pharmaceutical medications, most of which had horrible side effects. I just don't support this bill; I desperately need it to become law."
Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), sponsor of the House version of the medical marijuana bill, said he hopes that the recent Senate victory will give his wavering colleagues in the House enough political cover to send this legislation to the governor for signature.
"Opposition to this bill is dwindling because all legitimate concerns have been addressed," Lang said. "I think that there is a true desire in the General Assembly to pass this bill for the patients who need it and I'm confident that my colleagues in the House will give this issue the attention it deserves."
