News » Medical Marijuana Legislation Nearly Passes In Illinois





Rep. Lou Lang, a Democrat from Skokie, Illinois introduced a bill to the state House that would have initiated a 3 year trial of medical marijuana for patients with chronic illnesses. Although the measure came close to passing, it was eventually voted down. Lang, who is 61, said “I am going to continue to press on – on this particular piece of legislation, or some version of it – until I pass it. Next year, the year after … I’m a young man. I’ll be here awhile.”

Many patients in the state were hopeful of the law passing, such as AIDS patient Jaime Clayton. He participated in a study in California which showed that marijuana use could increase appetite and encourage weight gain while not compromising the user’s immune system. “A little bit of relief, a little bit of compassion … that’s the selling point,” Clayton said.

Opponents of the bill focus on the same old and disproven claims that marijuana is a gateway drug. Studies have shown other socioeconomic factors to be more of a factor in determining hard drug use than marijuana, yet a concern over “sending the wrong message” to youths continues to bar people in need from medicine that can provide much needed relief.

The bill lost in the Illinois House by a vote of 60-56.

[source STL Today]

Tags: Illinois, law, Lou Lang, medical, medical marijuana