State Sen. Heather Steans and state Rep. Kelly Cassidy introduced legislation last March to legalize recreational cannabis in Illinois, but the bills failed in both houses of the Legislature. A lot has since changed in Illinois politics, and the Chicago Democrats now plan to give it another try. On Election Day, pro-pot Democrat J.B. Pritzker cruised to victory past […]
Gov. Bruce Rauner
5 things to know about the expanded medical marijuana law in Illinois
llinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed into law a measure that stands to create a new class of medical marijuana users. Here’s a look at what the change will mean: 1. More access … The new law allows medical marijuana to be used as a replacement for opioid pain medication. That means anyone whose doctor would write […]
Rauner signs medical marijuana expansion bill allowing drug as painkiller alternative
A measure that could dramatically expand access to medical marijuana in Illinois — making it available as an opioid painkiller replacement and easing the application process for all who qualify — was signed into law by Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday. The new law is a response to the epidemic of overdose deaths from narcotics, […]
Illinois Governor Rauner Signs Bill Lifting Industrial Hemp Ban
After clearing the General Assembly with near–unanimous support, Gov. Bruce Rauner signed into law Senate Bill 2298, which lifts restrictions on the production of industrial hemp in Illinois, effective immediately. Industrial hemp fibers can be used for products ranging from building materials and textiles to cosmetics and health food, for example, through processes that reduce safety and environmental hazards. Filed in January by state Sen. Toi Hutchinson, […]
Illinois Lawmakers Approve Measure To Allow Medical Marijuana As Prescription Painkiller Substitute
Illinois lawmakers have approved a measure not only to allow medical marijuana to be used in place of prescription painkillers, but to eliminate requirements for patients to get fingerprints and criminal background checks. The change would allow all new applicants to buy medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries based on their doctors’ orders, rather than having to wait […]
Illinois Votes To Allow Students To Bring Medical Marijuana To School
The Illinois Senate’s overwhelming vote to allow sick students to take medical marijuana in school sends the proposal to Gov. Bruce Rauner for a decision on its fate. The state Senate voted 50-2 last week to allow students who qualify for medical marijuana to consume it on school premises, as long as they don’t smoke it and school officials agree […]
Illinois Governor Gives OK to Extend State’s Pilot Program for Medical Marijuana
Medical marijuana advocates are applauding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s about-face on expanding Illinois’ pilot program in length and qualifying conditions, saying it will allow time to show the program is worthwhile and will help more patients — including many veterans — who are suffering. Democratic state Rep. Lou Lang announced late Friday that he, the Republican […]
