Pubdate: Tue, 2 Jun 2009
Source: Alton Telegraph, The (IL)
Copyright: 2009 The Telegraph
Contact:  http://www.thetelegraph.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1207
Author: Laura Griffith, The Telegraph
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

POT BILL ADVOCATES REMAIN HOPEFUL

Time ran out on a medical marijuana bill in the latest session of the
state Legislature, but advocates are hopeful of passage when the
measure does come to a final vote.

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act (SB 1381)
had passed the Senate 30-28 last week and soared through the House
Human Services Committee. It was waiting for a final reading and a
vote on the House floor over the weekend, but tax legislation took top
priority.

"Although (the) top priority was the tax bill, I think the time has
come for Illinois to enact a medical marijuana law. We just need to
shore up a few votes before calling this bill to the floor," said Rep.
Lou Lang (D-Skokie), deputy majority leader and chief House sponsor of
SB 1381.

Sen. William Haine, D-Alton, who sponsored the bill in the Senate,
keeps a positive outlook regarding the bill's chances when legislative
sessions resume.

"It was dramatic that the bill got out of the Senate," Haine said. "We
had a busy spring. This bill was one of hundreds. It had one of the
highest profiles because it surrounded the whole debate on drugs and
marijuana and came with a lot of baggage."

Still, Haine says medical evidence bodes well for patients and
advocates and remains steadfast on his conviction that his
restrictions will keep abuse from being a problem, any more than other
prescription drugs are abused.

"Many of these questions were asked on the floor, about the potential
for abuse," he said.

Haine spoke out against misinformation that marijuana is not a helpful
drug or that this legislation will contribute to marijuana abuse.

"I have full confidence that the men and women at police departments
around the state can enforce this without any trouble whatsoever," he
said. "The 30 senators who voted for it voted for it in spite of
similar comments around the state, (which are) based on fear. The
scientific evidence is many doctors find it good for patients."

Haine said that the break between now and a possible vote in November
(during a veto session) or January (when the General Assembly
reconvenes) will mean more time to think on the issue. He encourages
members of the Senate to contact doctors to learn more about it from a
medical perspective.

Jamie Clayton, a longtime AIDS patient living in Grafton, said now is
the time for education.

"We've got to keep it on people's minds and we've got to talk about
it," he said. "I would hate to just stop. I think it's going to be
important that we focus on this during the summer. Maybe now's the
time we need to look into education."

Clayton said he is disheartened that some people still aren't pulling
for options for patients like himself, who are in severe pain or are
dying from diseases like AIDS or cancer.

"We're fighting for our lives," he said. "I should have died in 1996
but I didn't; I'm still here. We're not giving up and we're not going
away." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake