Pubdate: Tue, 16 Jul 2013
Source: Mundelein Review (IL)
Copyright: 2013 Sun-Times Media, LLC
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/YAV4Iasg
Website: http://mundelein.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4225
Author: Katlyn Smith

MUNDELEIN READIES FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROPOSAL

Mundelein is preparing to regulate medical marijuana should Gov. Pat 
Quinn endorse a bill legalizing its use.

"We're just trying to stay ahead of it as much as possible," Police 
Chief Eric Guenther said.

If Quinn signs the bill into law, the village's planning and zoning 
commission would conduct a public hearing.

Suburbs across Lake County have adopted similar procedures. The Lake 
County Municipal League is scheduled to review the issue in Gurnee 
Thursday, July 18.

"It seems to be a pretty standard response," Guenther said. "... 
Really the only opportunity to have any input is to control the 
zoning and where the facilities are located."

The village's planning and zoning commission would recommend the most 
appropriate locations for marijuana dispensaries and other growing 
operations. Another consideration is whether the village would 
require special-use permits for such facilities.

Village trustees would get the final say on restrictions.

Vernon Hills does not anticipate taking those steps before Quinn 
reaches a decision, Assistant Village Manager John Kalmar said. In 
Libertyville, trustees notified its zoning panel early this year to 
set up a public hearing if Quinn backs the bill.

Supporters say medical marijuana alleviates pain and other symptoms 
of serious illnesses. Critics want additional safeguards to prevent 
those without medical needs from accessing the drug.

Lake County chiefs have expressed concerns, Guenther said.

The bill would allow patients who have certain illnesses to buy up to 
2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days. Patients would be at least 18 years old.

Guenther estimates that proposed amount equates to roughly 180 
joints. Assuming patients use three a day over two weeks, "it still 
leaves them with over 130-plus," he said. "Where does that go?"

Village Administrator John Lobaito said staff has not seen any 
interest from potential dispensary owners.

"To my knowledge, we have not been approached by anybody about that," he said.

Quinn's signature would make Illinois the 20th state in the county to 
legalize medical marijuana.

The governor has said he's "open-minded" about the measure.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom