Springfield, Ill. (AP) -- An Illinois House committee
has approved a measure that would allow the use of marijuana for medical
purposes.
The House Human Services Committee voted
11-4 Wednesday to move the proposal to the full House for consideration.
The measure would allow patients over the
age of 18 who have been diagnosed with specific terminal illnesses or
debilitating medical conditions to obtain marijuana.
Cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV are
among the illnesses.
Supporters say marijuana can relieve
continual pain without triggering the harmful effects that other prescription
drugs may commonly cause.
The measure gives a framework for a
four-year pilot program that includes requiring patients and caregivers to
submit background checks.
But opponents say the program would
encourage the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
The bill is HB1.
Online: http://www.ilga.gov
