In May 2009, the Illinois Senate passed S.B. 1381, also known as The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. That bill stalled in the House, despite multiple attempts by its sponsor, Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), to move it forward. Each time, the proposal was tightened to become the strictest medical marijuana law in the country, yet it repeatedly fell short by only a few votes.

After years of lobbying by Rep. Lang, medical marijuana advocates, patients, doctors, and reform organizations—and strong opposition from law enforcement voices—the House finally voted today. House Bill 1 passed by a narrow margin of 61–57.

The measure now returns to the Senate for approval of the House version. Senate President John Cullerton has already expressed support, noting that the bill is even more restrictive than the Senate’s 2009 version. If approved, it will move on to Governor Pat Quinn. Governor Quinn recently stated he was “open-minded” about the issue after being moved by the testimony of a veteran who found relief through cannabis.

The bill establishes a four-year pilot program. Patients cannot grow their own medicine but may access cannabis from up to 60 state-licensed dispensaries. Only patients with qualifying illnesses or conditions will be eligible, and they must obtain a recommendation from a treating physician with an established history of care.

To address law enforcement concerns, patients must submit to field sobriety testing upon an officer’s request or face penalties. Critics point out that many qualifying conditions could impair performance on such tests, raising fairness questions.

If enacted, Illinois would become the 19th state—along with Washington, D.C.—to adopt medical marijuana legislation.

[Read a summary of the bill here.]
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