March 13, 2008

Action Alert

Medical Marijuana Bill Goes to the Senate for a Vote

HB 5938 to legalize marijuana as medicine was defeated in a House Committee this week. The Senate version of the bill, SB 2865, was passed in the Senate Public Health Committee today. The bill could come up for a vote in the full Senate very quickly. SB 2865 is written very broadly to include many symptoms and illnesses, not just for those who are terminally ill or dying. Doctors will not prescribe a dosage, and pharmacies will not dispense medication. Instead, anyone 21 or older can grow 12 marijuana plants and have 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana for up to 5 "qualifying patients"--60 plants and 12.5 ounces of usable marijuana. In addition, an unlimited number of "medical marijuana organizations" can supply marijuana to an unlimited number of people with valid registry ID cards. This is a public safety issue and a danger to a neighborhood or community.

SB 2865 would impact all the DUI laws and drug-free workplace laws in Illinois, which have a zero tolerance for drug use.

SB 2865 states that all marijuana has to be grown indoors, which is more potent. Residential rental properties are preferred locations for marijuana growing operations. SB 2865 states no landlord may refuse to lease solely for a person's status as a registered qualifying patient or caregiver. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, damage sustained to a residence due to a grow operation can include the removal of wall boards, ceiling tiles and floor coverings, moisture damage caused by excessive humidity, and illegal modifications to wiring, which increase the potential for fire loss.

The perception of marijuana as medicine leads teens to believe that marijuana is not a harmful drug. This could lead to increased drug use. The 2006 Youth Study on Substance Use reported that past month use marijuana is 23.2% for 12th graders in Illinois, which is higher than the national average of 18.3%.

The U. S. Supreme Court ruled that the federal Controlled Substances Act prevents the cultivation and possession of marijuana, even by people for personal "medical" use.

For Immediate Action

  1. Call your State Senator (217-782-2000) and ask him/her to vote NO on SB 2865.
  2. Write a Letter to the Editor using the information above.
  3. Share this Action Alert and ask others to call—family, friends, co-workers, church members.
  4. Forward to 10 others.
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