Pubdate: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 Source: Anniston Star (AL) Copyright: 2013 Consolidated Publishing Contact: http://www.annistonstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/923 ILLINOIS TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA CHICAGO- After months of keeping his decision-making close to the vest, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is set to sign legislation Thursday that will make the state the 20th in the nation to legalize marijuana for medical use. The bill creates a framework for a pilot program that includes requiring patients and caregivers to undergo background checks. It also sets a 2.5ounce limit per patient per purchase and sets out state-regulated dispensaries. After it's signed, the law takes effect Jan. 1. Currently 19 other states and Washington, D.C., allow medical marijuana. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom