SPRINGFIELD, IL - Senator William R. Haine (D – Alton) announced the passage of legislation that will allow individuals suffering from various illnesses to use medicinal marijuana to ease their pain. The bill’s passage through the Senate marks the first time such a measure has passed a chamber of the Illinois General Assembly. 
“Many times individuals are forced to be in pain because pharmaceuticals and other drugs cannot ease their suffering,” said Senator Haine, who sponsored the legislation. “This is an effort to reduce the painful effects of certain illnesses by allowing marijuana available only for medical purposes.”

Senate Bill 1381 allows an individual who has been diagnosed with a debilitating illness such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or HIV/AIDS to possess cannabis for medicinal use. The individual would have to receive a diagnosis and a recommendation from a doctor and would be issued a card by the Illinois Department of Public Health allowing them to possess medical marijuana.

Haine worked especially closely with his friends in law enforcement to address concerns surrounding the bill although many of them remained opposed. The legislation includes provisions punishing abuse of the Act and provisions that will aid law enforcement officials in targeting any such abuse.

“Our intent is to ease the painful effects of disease, not to encourage a general legalization of marijuana,” Senator Haine said. “The bill allows for the compassionate use of marijuana for suffering individuals, but contains enough oversight to prevent widespread abuse.”

The measure, which passed the Senate on Wednesday, now moves to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.