Medical Marijuana in Illinois is a No-Go, Again
Despite open GOP support, bill receives the same amount of votes it did in November.
A new bill that would have legalized medical marijuana failed today, as the measure fell short by seven votes again.
Skokie's Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) has been campaigning for medical marijuana use for some time. The bill received 53 votes, but needed at least 60 to pass.
If passed, the measure would undergo a three-year evaluation period, during which time lawmakers could review the bill. If objections were to occur, the exemption would be removed and medical marijuana made once again illegal.
Many lawmakers thought the bill was going to pass this time, mainly because House Minority Leader Tom Cross--a Republican--openly supported the bill after speaking to cancer patients and a military veteran.
Yet ironically, the bill still received the same amount of votes as it did in November-- 53--stalling the bill yet again.
Lang was not immediately available for comment, but he told Skokie Patch in the past that many lawmakers were for the legislation--enough to pass it and then some--but that they wouldn't vote for it because of possible political fallout.
If the bill had passed, people with a prescription would be able to grow and have marijuana in their home after they received approval from a physician and the state Department of Public Health. Anyone with a prescription would also be able to possess at least three plants at any given time.
"How do you turn down the people who are sick? Who are in pain. People who haven't been able to have a quality life," Lang asked elected Illinois officials in November. "This is not a bill about drugs. This is a bill about health care."
While 15 states already allow the use of medical marijuana, Lang insists that Illinois' version would be the strictest in the nation.
The controversial plant would treat people with HIV, cancer, severe glaucoma and other ailments. Currently, Illinois legislators for the bill are trying to get away from the negative stigma California's law has produced, such as being able to get a prescription for simply having a headache.
"It requires them [patients] to get a license from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which would monitor and license each person, and it provides strict penalties for those who break the law or use the marijuana and drive, or try to sell it or distribute it," Lang told WBBM radio.
Marijuana distribution sites in Illinois would also be not-for-profit, and there would be severe penalties for those who sell the plant after obtaining it through a prescription.
Had the bill passed, it would have moved on to the Senate and then to Gov. Pat Quinn for his signature. In the past, Quinn said he would sign such legislation if it reaches his desk.
Marlene
5:01 pm on Thursday, May 5, 2011
yes, yes and yes. I need to get involved.
James
3:29 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
Marijuana is a debilitating drug. if used excessivley it creates psycological imbalances causing the user to become unresponsive to normal chemical thought processes that govern how we behave. The user typically cannot keep a job or complete assignments. Although it is popular these days to try and legalize this drug it is, in the end, a very bad thing for society. There are few legit reasons for medical marijuana.
Skokie Mike
9:17 am on Friday, May 6, 2011
WHOA -- "cannot keep a job or complete assignments?"
Come on. Where are you getting this info from? Alcohol is far worse. Also, if you read the story, it says it would help cancer patients, or people with AIDS -- not headaches. I don't smoke anymore, but I have, and I inhaled, and what you mentioned above sounds like you're high. I'm sorry.
Marlene
7:02 am on Thursday, May 12, 2011
wrong james
grant bluebarry
12:36 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
you need to research your "debilitating drugs". I find easier getting my tasks done with it, and its the only antidepressant that works for me.
Landon
4:33 pm on Wednesday, May 11, 2011
James has obviously never smoked marijuana and has bought into years of political propaganda against the safest of all drugs. Never has there been a death due to marijuana. There are hundreds of studies that link smoking marijuana with a wide variety of beneficial outcomes. Fighting Alzheimers, fighting off cancerous cells, not to mention the anti-nausea, pain-relieving effects it can have for cancer and aids patients. Not passing this bill is denying many people in our state the quality of life that they deserve. Whether they are physically debilitated or mentally.
Get a clue James, humans have been smoking weed for thousands of years for its therapeutic benefits.
I wont even get into recreational benefits.
Being behind 15 states in the medical marijuana front is shameful for a state like Illinois which should attempt to be much more progressive.
grant bluebarry
12:37 pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2013
thank you.
Fraudcop
5:16 pm on Saturday, July 23, 2011
They legalized "Medical Marijuana" in Colorado. Marijuana "dispensaries" have sprouted like weeds. Cities have began to pass their own ordinances outlawing these dispensaries or severely limiting how many can be in their cities. Supporters of the law have also said that its impact on crime has been negligible. Other than the burglaries, robberies and murders, everything has been fine.
The Q
3:40 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
like you even know.......so wrong.
lacey wilkins
12:29 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I have MS....and I would rather smoke marijuana then tobbaco. You can get cancer and die from tabbaco. The only way you could die from marijuana is if you eat 2x your body weight, and I don't think anyone is going to do that. I think illinois would make a smart move, legalizing marijuana for medical reasons. It's time we as a state worry about sick people, and crack down more on heavy drugs. With these news set of laws for medical marijuana, I don't see how we couldn't pass the bill.
Sean M. Haney
3:09 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
My brother and I were both born with Tourette Syndrome. My case is more severe than his. I am now 37yrs old and still struggle with the never ending tics due to my Tourettes. I have also been diagnosed with having Muscular Sclerosis, which has attacked my right eye rendering it practically completely blind. My doctor believes the MS could have been brought on by my Tourettes. Marijuana would allow me such a better life. I constantly am in pain due to the Tourettes (tics) and have a problem being in public or simply around people period. People stare and pull their children closer towards themselves as if my Tourettes is contagious. There is a medication called Marinol which is a gel capsule containing for the most part THC oil. This medication (which I am prescribed) has tremendous benefits for Tourettes patients as well as ones who suffer from MS, Cancer and AIDS. This medication is legal throughout the United States. I may still have troubles stemming from my Tourettes, however...the Marinol does give me some relief. The compassionate marijuana law for the state of Illinois has been written in a way for which I see no ligament reason not to pass it. The Compassionate Marijuana Law would change the lives of those who need it on a level for which their children and or loved ones could view those who pass this law as heroes.