Pubdate: Thu, 28 May 2009
Source: Galesburg Register-Mail (IL)
Copyright: 2009 Galesburg Register-Mail
Contact: http://www.register-mail.com/news/letters/index.html
Website: http://www.galesburg.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3864
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

SENATE APPROVES MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL, SENDS IT TO HOUSE

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A measure legalizing medical marijuana finally 
made it through the state Senate on Wednesday, but a major hurdle 
remains before it can become Illinois law.

The Senate voted 30-28 for Senate Bill 1381, giving the measure right 
at the 30 'yes' votes needed to pass. The measure would allow doctors 
to prescribe cannabis to patients with diseases like AIDS and glaucoma.

Sen. Dale Righter, R-Charleston, raised concerns about the lack of 
background checks for people who would handle the drugs. But Sen. 
Bill Haine, the measure's sponsor, insisted only those who were 
prescribed cannabis would have access to the drug.

"It is not intended to be a stealth legalization (of marijuana)," 
said Haine, D-Alton.

The majority of senators who voted in favor of the measure said the 
legalization of medical marijuana was about relieving suffering.

"Pharmaceuticals had no answer for the pain (my dad) had to go 
through," said Kwame Raoul, D-Chicago, as he choked back tears. "This 
is about compassion. This is truly about compassion."

The measure now heads to the House. At a statehouse press conference 
earlier in the year, Rep. Lou Lang said he was unsure how far any 
medical marijuana measure would get in the House.

Lang sponsored a measure similar to the one passed out of the Senate 
that died in the House earlier in the year.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom