Support Grows for Medical Marijuana in Illinois

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 28, 2011 7:30PM

The last time we checked in on the efforts to make medical marijuana legal in Illinois, not even the star power of Montel Williams was enough to move the bill forward in Springfield. Now, it looks like things are gathering steam again. But don't go running for a glaucoma perscription yet.

Illinois House Republican leader Tom Cross has dropped his opposition after being swayed by constituents who asked that medical marijuana be dispensed in worst-case scenarios. Cross's reversal and a new set of proposed regulations may finally get the necessary votes for sponsor Lou Lang to pass a medical marijuana bill. the tighter regulations allow for dispensation of medical pot through regulated non-profits, instead of a pharmacy. Stiffer penalties and prison terms are also on the table, to keep dispensaries from becoming convenience stores for weed.

The last time this came up for a vote, the measure fell four votes shy of passage.