Pubdate: Thu, 26 Mar 2009
Source: Chicago Defender (IL)
Copyright: 2009 Chicago Defender
Contact:  http://www.chicagodefender.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3781
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE CLOSER TO BECOMING LEGAL IN ILLINOIS

On Wednesday, the Illinois Senate Public Health  committee passed HB
2514 that would allow seriously ill  patients to use medical marijuana
and not have to worry  about being arrested for possession of an
illegal  substance.

The bill is the first of its kind in Illinois and now  awaits a vote
from the Illinois House.

State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), is the sponsor of the  bill, which
passed by a vote of 6-3. And state Sen.  Bill Haine (D-Alton), a
supporter of the bill, said the  bill is needed to help those who are
critically ill.

"This is an important step for suffering Illinoisans  who rely on
medical cannabis because they, in  consultation with their doctors,
have determined it is  the best treatment available to them," Haine
said.

"I'm grateful to my colleagues in the public health  committee who
listened to science and reason today and  made the sensible,
compassionate decision to pass this  bill."

Some HIV patients like Jamie Clayton are hoping the  bill will soon
become law.

"I don't want to use marijuana, but it is the only  thing that
relieves the crippling nerve pain that comes  with my treatments for
HIV/AIDS," Clayton said. "The  only question is whether patients like
me will continue  to be prosecuted for using a medicine that works or
whether our elected officials will acknowledge  available scientific
evidence and the will of their  constituents and vote in favor of this
legislation." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake