Marijuana advocates were overjoyed this week when Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner legalized medical cannabis as a substitute for prescription painkillers. The Marijuana Policy Project called it a “big win” for patients, and officials say it will greatly expand the number of patients, possibly saving lives.

But the new state law begs the question: How effective is cannabis for treating pain? And how well does it work to reduce opioid use and overdose deaths?

Some patients said they’re grateful for an alternative to pain pills that some say make them groggy.

“It helps people like me live a normal life,” said Ruzich, who previously wrote for the Tribune as a freelance reporter but had to stop because of his ailment. “I’m glad people have more choice, but to present it as an alternative to opioids doesn’t seem right to me.” [Read More @ Chicago Tribune]