Medical Marijuana Bill Stalled In Illinois; May Depend On Election

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Photo: David Banks
Medical marijuana stands a better chance of passage in Illinois if Gov. Pat Quinn is reelected, according to activists

​Lawmakers in the Illinois House likely will not pass a medical marijuana bill until next legislative session.

Although the state Senate passed the Compassionate Use of Medicinal Cannabis Pilot Program Act last month and sent it to the House, the powerful Rules Committee is still mulling it over instead of sending it to the Governor’s desk or back to the Senate, reports Ivanna Hampton of NBC Chicago.

“That’s because it’s an election year and politicians are afraid to do what’s right,” said Dan Linn, executive director of the Illinois Cannabis Patients Association.
Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), who sponsored the bill, said it doesn’t have enough support to pass. Lang doesn’t expect a vote on it until at least January 2011.

According to Linn, the winner of the Illinois governor’s race will determine if patients with debilitating diseases will be allowed to grow up to three mature marijuana plants at one time.
The Republican nominee for governor, Sen. Bill Brady, strongly opposes the bill. But if Gov. Pat Quinn, a Democrat, remains in office, more legislators will likely support the bill, Linn said.
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