Gov. Pat Quinn signed HB1 into law Aug. 1, making Illinois the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana. Nearly 40% of people in the US now live in states that have adopted such laws. The Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act creates a framework to protect physicians and certain qualified medical marijuana patients from arrest and prosecution. HB1 was passed 35-21 by the Illinois House in April, and 61-57 by the Senate in May. HB1, which is scheduled to sunset in four years, was called one of the most restrictive laws in the country by its Senate sponsor Bill Haine (D-Alton). The new law is set to take effect on January 1, 2014.
HB1 allows patients with one of 33 "debilitating medical conditions," such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV to obtain approval from a physician to use medical marijuana. The law entitles qualifying patients to possess 2.5 ounces for a two-week period. Patients will not be able to cultivate cannabis themselves, contrary to most state laws, but will eventually be able to obtain it from one of 60 "registered dispensing organizations," which will be supplied by 22 "licensed cultivation centers." HB1 also taxes the sale of medical marijuana at 7%. (ASA, Aug. 1)
Image from GreenwhichMeanTime
Comments
Illinois passes legalization bill