Posted by CN Staff on February 12, 2013 at 11:37:41 PT
By Michelle Manchir, Chicago Tribune Reporter
Source: Chicago Tribune
Illinois -- La Grange officials are preparing for the possibility of medical marijuana becoming legalized in Illinois.
Because state lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the production and sale of medical cannabis at special distribution centers throughout Illinois, the La Grange Village Board passed a resolution this week that will authorize staff to review and recommend changes to the village's zoning code that would address zoning standards for the facilities.
"Our always forward-looking staff has reviewed the La Grange zoning code and feels that that it does not plainly address uses like a distribution facility, something that we have not previously anticipated in the Village of La Grange," said Village Board President Liz Asperger.Proposed state legislation calls for a pilot program for growing, harvesting and distributing cannabis to patients diagnosed with a debilitating medical condition from a single facility in each state senate district. The bill failed to make it to a vote during the lame-duck session earlier this year.
It's unclear whether the measure would be able to gain full support this spring from the Illinois House and Senate. Still, reached by phone this week, Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, who represents a portion of La Grange, said he believes the bill "will pass" during the spring legislative session, especially as the House gained a veto-proof majority after the November election.
"If it passes in the House, it may …have a better shot at passing in the Senate," Ford said, adding that it is legislation he would likely support.
The bill preempts home rule authority, so the village could not "opt out" of the program, said Asperger.
Asperger said the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus suggested municipalities adopt regulations in anticipation that the legislation would be approved by the General Assembly. Some towns, like Lake Forest and Barrington, have already taken measures to address the issue, according to village documents.
La Grange trustees all agreed to move forward with the resolution.
"We should definitely be out in front of this before it happens," said Trustee Bill Holder.
Trustee Mark Langan said he would like the plan commission to be involved in the zoning code review as well.
"(The commission) will put us in a position so that … if the bill passes in whatever form, we're in a better position to make the right long-term decision," Langan said.
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Author: Michelle Manchir, Chicago Tribune Reporter
Published: February 12, 2013
Copyright: 2013 Chicago Tribune Company, LLC
Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/
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