Pubdate: Mon, 04 Apr 2016
Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)
Copyright: 2016 Associated Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/bf0vhqGQ
Website: http://www.suntimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/81
Author: Ivan Moreno, Associated Press

LEGISLATOR: PUT WARNING LABELS ON MEDICAL POT

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Medical marijuana in Illinois would be required to 
carry warning labels about possible side effects under a bill of a 
Republican lawmaker.

Rep. Dwight Kay, of downstate Edwardsville, said the goal is to treat 
medical marijuana like other prescription drugs that warn patients 
about possible adverse effects. His bill, up for a House committee 
vote Monday, doesn't specify what warnings should be on the products, 
leaving it to the state health department to decide.

But Kay said he would like to see warnings about how marijuana can 
cause drowsiness and impaired driving, and that it can affect pregnancies.

Medical marijuana sales began in Illinois in November under a four- 
year pilot program, which Kay opposed. Currently, marijuana-infused 
products are required to have language stating that the cultivation 
center where the pot was produced is not subject to public health inspection.

Kay said his biggest concern is with people who may come in contact 
with the drug without understanding the possible consequences.

"For lack of a better word, the innocent bystander," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom