cannabisnews.com: Ill. House Committee OKs Use of Medical Marijuana Ill. House Committee OKs Use of Medical Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on March 04, 2009 at 17:21:24 PT By Christopher Wills, Associated Press Writer Source: Associated Press Springfield, Illinois -- People suffering from cancer, AIDS and other diseases could turn to marijuana for pain relief under a plan approved Wednesday by an Illinois House committee despite claims that it would be a step toward legalizing pot.Under the legislation, people with a doctor's permission would be eligible for a state registry card allowing up to seven marijuana plants in their homes and 2 ounces of "usable cannabis." The measure is written to expire after three years. Advocates say marijuana eases pain without the side effects of heavier drugs and reduces nausea from chemotherapy."There is needless suffering going on out there," said the sponsor, Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie. "Everything else is a sideshow."But Rep. Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale, said the bill raises serious questions. Will it be misused by people who don't really have a medical need for marijuana? Would it open the door to outright legalization of pot use in Illinois?"It is the No. 1 drug that introduces young people to other drugs," said Bellock, who voted against the measure in the Human Services Committee.Still, it passed 4-3 and now goes to the House floor.Thirteen states already have medical marijuana laws that preclude a criminal conviction for use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.Similar legislation was approved by a state Senate committee last year, but the sponsor never found enough support to call it for a vote. That sponsor, John Cullerton, is now Senate president, so the latest proposal should have an influential supporter if it ever reaches the Senate.Lang called it a "difficult but not impossible bill to pass" in the House, even as a three-year experiment.Bellock said she doesn't object in principle to allowing the use of marijuana for medical reasons, but she fears this plan is too lax. She said a version where the pot is handled by pharmacists would reduce the chance of abuse.Bellock also questioned whether Illinois could take the step while marijuana remains illegal under federal law.Technically, Illinois authorized medical marijuana in 1978. But implementation was left to the Public Health Department and it never took action, so the law has been in limbo.The bill is HB2514.On the Net: http://www.ilga.govSource: Associated Press (Wire)Author: Christopher Wills, Associated Press WriterPublished: March 4, 2009Copyright: 2009 The Associated PressRelated Articles:MMJ Legalization Measure Passes Committeehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24540.shtmlLegislators Consider Medical Marijuana Billhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread24539.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #7 posted by Hope on March 05, 2009 at 09:04:23 PT Not an excuse anymore, Bellock! "Bellock also questioned whether Illinois could take the step while marijuana remains illegal under federal law."Guess Bellock hasn't heard the news. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by dongenero on March 05, 2009 at 08:05:26 PT Bellock "It is the No. 1 drug that introduces young people to other drugs," said Bellock, who voted against the measure in the Human Services Committee.No Ms. Bellock, Prohibition is the number one drug that introduces young people to drugs. By the way, what does that have to do with medical use of cannabis? I mean, other than being a diversionary tactic.Just another of the out of touch, wealthy Republicans in one of the snootiest, elite suburbs in Chicago. She's clueless. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on March 05, 2009 at 07:30:39 PT Storm Crow Thank you. Now is a very interesting time. Now is the time to decide what we believe and what we would like to see happen. I get quiet during these times as I search my mind to find the end result of any direction we might take. It's very nice to be able to think this way after years of fear and oppression. I never went into the ONDCP's web site during the Bush administration and now I just don't have fear so I've checked it out more then once since Obama was elected President. Fear and judgement has been so wrong. I say live and let live. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Storm Crow on March 05, 2009 at 07:08:36 PT Those "dumb numbers" are a result of... Lack of education on the part of both doctors and politicians. THEY make the MMJ laws- WE have to educate them. Run a search and BOOKMARK a page with the names and addys of your senators and reps! Then use it frequently! Send or give your doctor medical marijuana studies, or better yet, turn him on to "Granny's list" (I believe FoM has it linked now) and let him see for himself! Tell them what is needed! Tell them how much pot a cancer patient needs to make Rick Simpson's "hemp oil". Would they deny them their hope for a "miracle cure", while still allowing them to use smaller amounts to counteract Big Pharma's poisonous chemotherapy? Just doesn't make sense! This is very important, a great change is happening and we must all do our part, especially if your state does not have MMJ! And Fom, thank you so much for all you have done over the years! You are wonderful! Bless you, dear. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by greenfox on March 05, 2009 at 03:26:17 PT 7 plants?!?! Unless you're growing trees, that's a joke and barely enough to cover a month, two tops.And then you have to prepare for the NEXT harvest, which means more plants. I'm FOR the steps towards medical but totally AGAINST these insane, small, inadequacy limits on plants. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by itsonlyaplant on March 04, 2009 at 18:25:51 PT B.S. as I see it "It is the No. 1 drug that introduces young people to other drugs," said Bellock, who voted against the measure in the Human Services Committee.BULL$#!%. I call em like I see em. FACT: Alcohol or tobacco products are MOST peoples entrance to mind altering substances as pre-teens.Respond to that one Rep. Bellock. Again, I see an idiot who doesn't know wtf they're talking about. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 04, 2009 at 18:18:15 PT Full Text of HB2514 http://drugsense.org/url/Fv1Y7B1P [ Post Comment ] Post Comment