Illinois Legislature Approves Medical Marijuana!

Thank you advocates and patients!

Protestants for the Common Good has been advocating for legislation to legalize medical marijuana in Illinois for years. We are almost there!  The Illinois General Assembly recently passed HB 1, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, which creates a four-year pilot program during which individuals with serious diseases would be able to buy limited amounts of medical marijuana from one of 60 state-licensed dispensaries   

HB 1 passed the Illinois Senate by a 35-21 vote on May 17, 2013.  The House previously passed HB 1 on April 17, 2013 by a 61-57 vote.  

Please join us in thanking the legislators who supported this legislation to show mercy and compassion to people suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, HIV, spinal disease, ALS and other terrible ailments.  Find out how your Senator and Representative voted.

Thank you to Chief Senate Sponsor William Haine and Chief House Sponsor Lou Lang!

Read Rev. Alexander Sharp’s Op-Ed in the Chicago Sun-Times and Shouts of Joy! article urging the Illinois Senate to pass this bill.  You can also watch video of the recent Senate floor debate and the House floor debate.

The fate of this legislation now rests in the hands of Democratic Governor Pat Quinn.  Gov. Quinn is reviewing the bill and remains “open-minded.”  Read recent editorial blogs from the Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post and Chicago Magazine.

HB 1 has the support of Illinois Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon, in addition to over 260 doctors in Illinois, religious leaders, and medical organizations, as well as a majority of Illinois voters according to recent polling.

Patients have waited far too long in Illinois.  We urge Gov. Quinn to show compassion and mercy for those suffering from debilitating pain and swiftly sign HB 1 into law.