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Illinois is taking another look at legalizing medical use of marijuana. This month a House Committee approved a bill that would set up a four-year pilot program.
House Bill 1 by Representative Lou Lang is just the latest effort to bring medical marijuana to Illinois. Supporters believe it will help patients deal with disease and chronic pain.
However, police and prosecutors worry that the legislation will create loopholes in the fight against drugs.
"Its going to create a Pandora's box of issues for a lot of local law enforcement," said Hamilton County State's Attorney Justin Hood.
Hood believes there are health conditions that marijuana could help treat.
Lang's current bill would allow the drug to be used by people suffering from conditions like cancer, HIV, and MS.
"I understand that there are always innovations to help people ease pain," said Hood.
The legislation would be for people age 18 and older, allowing them to have 2.5 ounces of pot every two weeks. Patients and caregivers would also be required to pass background checks.
However, just like prescription medications, there's a chance for abuse.
"They are in pain and can't go back and get their prescription for another two weeks," said Hood. "They're going to resort to buying it illegally."
Hood also feels that the measure feels to answer several legal questions. For example, how DUI should be handled, since there's no easy test or limit for marijuana.
"With cannabis and other prescription drugs, it's either in your system or not," said Hood.
It's a concern shared by Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones.
"We have a problem with DUI in this country and this area," said Jones. "DUI accidents cause significant death and injuries and lots of problems."
While Jones feels for people facing debilitating conditions, he fears that medical marijuana may also send the wrong message to kids.
"If it's regarded as a medicine, it can't be that bad," said Jones. "So it would be okay to use it."
Lang's bill passed through committee with an 11 to 4 vote.
The lawmaker told the State Journal Register newspaper his plan is the "most highly regulated piece of legislation ever written" compared other states that allow medical marijuana.
News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: wsiltv.com
Author: Stephanie Tyrpak
Contact: WSILTV | Contact Us
Website: Legal Concerns Over Medical Marijuana in Illinois | WSILTV | Local News
House Bill 1 by Representative Lou Lang is just the latest effort to bring medical marijuana to Illinois. Supporters believe it will help patients deal with disease and chronic pain.
However, police and prosecutors worry that the legislation will create loopholes in the fight against drugs.
"Its going to create a Pandora's box of issues for a lot of local law enforcement," said Hamilton County State's Attorney Justin Hood.
Hood believes there are health conditions that marijuana could help treat.
Lang's current bill would allow the drug to be used by people suffering from conditions like cancer, HIV, and MS.
"I understand that there are always innovations to help people ease pain," said Hood.
The legislation would be for people age 18 and older, allowing them to have 2.5 ounces of pot every two weeks. Patients and caregivers would also be required to pass background checks.
However, just like prescription medications, there's a chance for abuse.
"They are in pain and can't go back and get their prescription for another two weeks," said Hood. "They're going to resort to buying it illegally."
Hood also feels that the measure feels to answer several legal questions. For example, how DUI should be handled, since there's no easy test or limit for marijuana.
"With cannabis and other prescription drugs, it's either in your system or not," said Hood.
It's a concern shared by Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones.
"We have a problem with DUI in this country and this area," said Jones. "DUI accidents cause significant death and injuries and lots of problems."
While Jones feels for people facing debilitating conditions, he fears that medical marijuana may also send the wrong message to kids.
"If it's regarded as a medicine, it can't be that bad," said Jones. "So it would be okay to use it."
Lang's bill passed through committee with an 11 to 4 vote.
The lawmaker told the State Journal Register newspaper his plan is the "most highly regulated piece of legislation ever written" compared other states that allow medical marijuana.
News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: wsiltv.com
Author: Stephanie Tyrpak
Contact: WSILTV | Contact Us
Website: Legal Concerns Over Medical Marijuana in Illinois | WSILTV | Local News
