With fifteen states already having some form of medical marijuana law, and several new states drafting similar laws, it’s no surprise that Illinois has joined the ranks of those trying to pass such laws through state legislatures, despite being notorious for marijuana arrests, which are the sixth highest in the country.

A bill narrowly passed the Senate on May 27th, 2009 in Illinois. The bill’s status can be viewed here, and the actual text of the bill here. It subsequently cleared the House subcommittee, came up for a vote in the State House, but was not passed or denied. It will likely be revoted upon early next year. Currently, the Illinois General Assembly lists the bills status as “Placed on Calendar – Consideration Postponed.”  The bill will be repealed three year after going into law unless it is reapproved. If passed, the bill will go in law on July 1st, 2011.

Who will be able to use medical marijuana? It appears that Illinois will be much more restrictive than some states that have embraced medical cannabis, namely California, where almost anyone can get a cannabis registry card. Some say cannabis can and should be a medical treatment from severe to moderate conditions, including things such as depression and insomnia. Illinois will restrict medical marijuana to a much narrower group of patients.

Senate Bill 1381, also dubbed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, allow “physicians” to recommend medical marijuana to qualified patients, namely those suffering from “debilitating conditions,” permitting them to possess up to two ounces of cannabis and up to seven plants, only three of which may be mature or flowering. The Public Health Department would issue registry cards for caregivers and their patients. Plants must be grown in a secure facility, and cannabis would not be allowed to be smoked in public or on school property.

They define debilitating medical condition as one of the following: cancer, glaucoma, HIV positive, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, nail patella, or “the treatment of these conditions.” The bill then goes on to define various symptoms or side effects that can result in a cannabis “prescription.” Among these are seizures, severe muscle spasms, intractable pain, severe debilitating nausea, or other medical conditions or treatments approved by the Department of Public Health.

In sort, the Act has the following restrictions:

“Provides that the Act does not: (i) allow the use of cannabis if that person does not have a serious or debilitating medical condition; (ii) allow any person who is not allowed to use cannabis under the Act to use cannabis that a cardholder is allowed to possess pursuant to the Act, (iii) transfer cannabis to any person who is not allowed to possess cannabis under the Act.”

Medical marijuana supporters from the Marijuana Policy Project have begun airing radio ads in Chicago, Peoria, the Quad Cities, and Rockford asking citizens to support this initiative. You can hear the ad here. According to a recent poll, 68% of the state supports legalization for medical use, while it is estimated that less than half support complete legalization. The MPP provides an easy way to contact your representative and let them know where you stand. If you support this pill, please do so.

I support the passage of the medical bill, but when will we set our sites higher? I don’t think a patient should be prosecuted for using marijuana as a medicine. But I find it equally appalling for someone to be arrested for recreational use. What right does a government, any government, or any entity have to tell someone else what they can or cannot put in their body? The notion is primitive, immoral, and absurd. I do think that the national medical marijuana movement, as well as some decriminalization we’ve seen, is a movement in the right direction. To those of you who no longer buy into governmental propaganda and unfounded social stigma, thank you. You give me hope that a free society is possible.

Again, if you live in Illinois, please contact your state Representative and let them know that you support this bill. Tell them you think they should vote yes. Calling is preferred, but even an email helps.