On August 1, 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act into law, concluding ten years of lobbying for medical marijuana use. Illinois legislators are continuing to expand the law that took effect on January 1, 2014.
Qualifying patients who suffer from any of the approved chronic diseases and conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, hepatitis C, Parkinson's Disease, and many others are permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis in a 14-day period provided by an authorized medical cannabis dispensary. Governor Quinn signed off on one provision to increase the scope of the law.
On Sunday it was announced that children and adults who suffer from epilepsy will now be qualified under Illinois law to receive medical marijuana to treat their condition. Children under the age of 18, with permission from their parent, will be allowed to receive non-smokable medical marijuana treatment if they suffer from epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Cannabis oil is the most typical form of non-smokable marijuana that can treat seizure disorders, most notably in those who suffer from Dravet syndrome.
"I have a 14-year-old constituent by the name of Hugh who lives with epilepsy," said Republican state lawmaker Jim Durkin, who co-sponsored the new law, in this Reuters news article. "His parents, Bob and Kelly, want to provide their son with as much relief as possible. Unfortunately, traditional medications and methods have not worked."
The Illinois Governor's office announced on July 18 that the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program had its provisions strengthened after the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved the new law. The state is also putting its finishing touches on a broader medical marijuana plan that was finalized last week, and residents will be allowed to apply for permission to use medical marijuana in September. The Illinois Department of Public Health is almost done adopting administrative rules, setting regulation fees, and developing the process to receive and process registrations.
You can read more about Illinois' medical marijuana program on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
