Pubdate: Sat, 18 May 2013
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2013 Sun-Times Media, LLC
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/5QwXAJWY
Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Dave Mckinney

PRESCRIPTION POT VOTE PASSES

No Hint by Quinn After 35-21 Vote

SPRINGFIELD - The idea of Illinoisans turning to pot to treat severe 
illnesses moved closer to reality Friday after the Illinois Senate 
approved the medicinal use of marijuana over GOP objections it would 
encourage more serious drug use.

The Senate's 35-21 vote, which followed an emotional debate that 
lasted more than 90 minutes, moves the legislation carried by state 
Sen. William Haine (D-Alton) to Gov. Pat Quinn.

"We are confident a strict, controlled implementation of this for 
those who suffer pain with the diseases and conditions listed in the 
act can be well served," Haine said. "Many of us have anecdotal 
evidence of the value of this. Doctors' groups have endorsed this, nurses."

The governor has said he is "open-minded" toward the measure, which 
if enacted would make Illinois the 19th state to legalize the 
medicinal use of marijuana. Quinn's office offered no hint of its 
intentions with the legislation Friday, saying only that the governor 
intends to "review" the plan.

"The administration has been involved in this," Haine said. "He's not 
made a public commitment, but I hope when he sees this debate and he 
hears of the exchange in the House and Senate, his comfort level will 
be raised."

Friday's roll call came together on the strength of mostly Democratic 
votes, though three Republicans joined in supporting Haines' 
legislation, as well. They were Senators Pamela Althoff (RMcHenry), 
James Oberweis (R-Sugar Grove) and Dave Syverson (R-Rockford).

Senate Democrats who voted against the bill were Sen. Jennifer 
Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood), Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Gary 
Forby (D-Benton), Napoleon Harris (D-Flossmoor), Mattie Hunter 
(D-Chicago) and Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield).

"You all know full well the effects marijuana has on the body," said 
Hunter, a certified drug and alcohol counselor. "All they did was put 
'medical' in front of marijuana. It's still a drug."

Under Haine's four-year pilot program, users would have to suffer 
from one of 42 named ailments or diseases, including cancer, HIV/AIDS 
and ALS, and have a doctor's prescription before they would be 
allowed to purchase and possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana during a 14-day period.

The plan would authorize 22 growers across Illinois and permit 60 
dispensaries where users could purchase the plant.

Users, growers and sellers would have to undergo fingerprinting and 
criminal background checks. Employers and landlords could bar 
medicinal marijuana use in their workplaces and buildings. And, users 
would have to undergo field sobriety tests if police suspect they are 
driving under the influence of medical cannabis.

"This thing is filled with one check after the other on the 
possibility of abuse," Haine said. "It allows cultivation of this 
substance, which can relieve the terrible pains suffered by people. 
And they won't have to go to the dark side to get it. It'll be grown 
here in Illinois, not somewhere else."

The plan is opposed by the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and the 
Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Illinois State 
Police remained neutral, leaving no law-enforcement agency in support 
of Haine's legislation.

Opponents stood to predict the state couldn't adequately regulate or 
police a new marijuana growing and distribution industry that would 
provide approved users 13 joints a day, and that the drug's legally 
accepted use would encourage people to turn toward more illicit narcotics.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom