Pubdate: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 Source: Daily Chronicle (DeKalb, IL) Copyright: 2009 Daily Chronicle Contact: http://www.daily-chronicle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3685 Author: Kate Schott Note: Front Page, Top of Page, next to the feature article 'Voicing His Beliefs' http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n687/a01.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILLS PENDING IN STATEHOUSE Proposed measures that would legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in Illinois are typically introduced each session in Springfield. This year, two similar proposals were introduced and both gained some traction. Senate Bill 1381 would allow people with a doctor's permission to be eligible for a state registry card allowing up to six marijuana plants in their homes and 2 ounces of "usable cannabis." If approved, the measure would expire after three years. That measure was approved 30-28 on May 27 by the Senate. It was also passed out of a House committee, but the 118 member House has yet to take final action on it. On May 31, the final action deadline for the measure was extended to Nov. 30, 2009, according to the Web site of the Illinois General Assembly. A similar measure, House Bill 2514, passed a House committee in March but the full house has not taken action on it. State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Rochelle, voted against the measure. He did not immediately return a phone call Tuesday seeking comment. State Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley, said he is concerned that the proposed legislation would not control production of marijuana. He believes that the drug can be harmful, and that those who start using it will then move on to more lethal and potent drugs. "My concern is that when you make something available, you create an aura that it's safe and you'll have more young people experimenting with it," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake