Medical Marijuana News Channel

Medical Marijuana News Channel

Friday, January 2, 2015

Medical marijuana a step closer


















SOMONAUK – Multiple sclerosis patient and Army veteran Jim Champion doesn't mind that he is still waiting for his medical marijuana card.

Champion and his wife, Sandy, who live in Somonauk, lobbied for medicinal marijuana in Springfield and were gratified when Gov. Pat Quinn signed the four-year pilot program into law Aug. 1, 2013.

"You've got to give it time to get it working and running," he said. "I'm proud our bill is as strict as it is to do away with fraud. I don’t mind because I know they're working hard. They're working fast."

More than a year later, Champion still buys marijuana from a trusted, illicit source. He said smoking two marijuana cigarettes – he eschews the term "joints" – a day has helped him cut down from taking more than 50 pills a day to just six: three to control his spasms, two painkillers and an as-needed sleeping pill.

Patients with one of 40 medical conditions such as being HIV-positive or having rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for a medical marijuana card, and can begin submitting their applications Sept. 2. They must be fingerprinted, undergo a background check and submit paperwork from their doctor to be eligible.

Once qualifying patients get their cards, they can expect an even longer wait to buy medical marijuana. People who want to operate medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation centers may send their applications Sept. 8 through 22, although those dates could change, according to the state's medical marijuana website.

Local politicians state Rep. Robert Pritchard (R-Hinckley) and DeKalb County Board Chairman Jeffery Metzger (R-Sandwich) both said they have spoken with people interested in opening either a cultivation center or dispensary in DeKalb County. They have given them information on how to apply.

"They were collecting data at that point," said Metzger, who said he talked with interested parties about six months ago. "As far as I know, there's nothing to move forward on."

Only one cultivation center will be allowed to operate in each of the 22 state police districts. DeKalb County shares the second district with DuPage, Kane, Lake and McHenry counties. A total of 60 dispensaries will be located throughout the state, with a small likelihood of one being in DeKalb County, Pritchard said.

Recreational marijuana

With medical marijuana now legal, some will lobby for recreational legalization of marijuana come January. Dan Linn, executive director of National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, said his group will propose that adults be allowed to grow marijuana in their backyards or on private property.

Story Source: The above story is based on materials provided by DAILYCHRONICLE
Note: Materials may be edited for content and length

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