Illinois close to passage of SB 1381
 

November 30, 2010. We, caretakers and patients, gathered at the state capital to witness history. Our medical cannabis bill was being called up for a vote. It was heart wrenching to watch as one by one called us dope heads, saying we are making excuses to get cannabis legalization, saying there is no evidence that cannabis works for the sick and a host of other lies. We listened as some reps heckled our sponsor "Where's your hemp necklace?" and "This is just a cannabis possession bill" among other things. We failed to get the votes we needed, 7 short when it was all said and done.

However, we were able to postpone the bill for further consideration in January. It's lame duck session so we can only hope those that do show up will vote yes. Our sponsor tells me he only needs two more votes. We are working hard to get those. I have my rep helping us as well and he was a no for so long.

Wish us luck! I wrote an article that was published in the State Journal Register. You can find it here: http://www.sj-r.com/letters/x1817611...l-embarrassing My intent was to expose how embarrassing their behavior that day was but to also get attention on what medical cannabis does for some of our sick. Please feel free to comment on the article. We have 54 comments so far and it is refreshing to see so many on board for our bill. The article is published in Springfield IL so many reps see the paper. My hope is that they will read the article and step back and realize our bill is one of the strictest in all states that are legal.

Our own Jim was introduced during the debate as well and can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwm2_wdq0Jw&sns=fb

Thanks! Will update as soon as I hear from our sponsor on when the bill will be called back up. If you live in Illinois please call your reps and tell them you want them to vote yes on our bill, SB 1381. :hug:

If you live in Illinois, don't forget to call/write your Representative and tell them to support SB1381, The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. We have one more chance to get this passed in January and then it's over. Reach deep and find a moment to call for your yourself, loved ones and your friends. Tell your representative it's time to stop making criminals out of the sick and to help relieve their pain and suffering.

http://ilga.gov/house/

Also, our Jim was part of Montel Williams new video, I Am The Face Of MS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Rek...layer_embedded

Jim can be seen around 4:07 minutes into the video.

that's great sandy,

i hope it passes. i'm crossing my finger for both of you.

Thank you Judy. :hug:

This could be the week we see our bill go up for another vote. This is our last chance, so I am asking all of you to say a small prayer for us.

Hey all, our bill failed today 56-60. We still have something up our sleeve but it's a long shot. If this doesn't happen, it will be another 2-3 years before we see it again. :-(

Sandy,
My congressman said, "A bill is never dead...they're always tweeking it and bringing them back. Don't give up hope."
But you know how I feel about politicians:mad:
My DH was considering running against him next time...but I don't want him cavorting with that type...

Debbie, there are good ones and your husband would be one of them. :hug:

:-((

I had not thought much about medical cannabis until an already thin young adult family member was diagnosed with cancer. How utterly STUPID to deny him something that would help ease chemotherapy and help him keep down much needed nutrition. Utterly STUPID!!! Worse than that! Reprehensible!

Yep, it is the ignorance of others that are keeping it away from those in need.

Sandy, You say that one guy said they have no proof it's helpful. Is there anyone nywhere literally trying to prove it? I have always thought. What about the words of cancer sufferers? (If they say the person just wants canabis legalized, ask a little old lady with cancer.)

Amen Lor. We've been saying that all along. Whether it's anecdotal or palliative, who cares? If a patient who is in pain and/or dying, I don't think the first thing that comes to mind is "Are there any studies proving this theory?" Not to mention how difficult it is to get quality research when it is illegal federally and no funding is available. Small minds and old fashioned thinking is unfortunately what is going on here in Illinois. Ignorance is NOT always bliss.

It is official, our medical cannabis bill is kaput for this session. BUT, it will be reintroduced. Disappointing to watch it get shot down twice. It's a little ironic that we saved criminals from death, but offered no relief to the sick people of Illinois. Really?

Sorry Sandy and Jim.:( :hug:

Sorry Sandy. :hug: I know from reading that you & Jim worked really hard for this.

It's not legal in Australia yet either, so I was thinking if Illinois got it approved, then maybe other states in the US would follow on. Australia rarely introduces anything until it's been proved in the USA.

I wish you luck with the next presentation.

New bill already in place but will take some time to get it going. Ugh, do I have two years to do this all over again or just pack up and move to a state that already has it legal? Decisons...

I'm so sorry Sandy. I know you put alot of time into this and it shouldn't be so difficult. It's a shame when moving is actually the easier option. :rolleyes:

Sandy, Rep. Connelly told me "a bill is never dead. It comes back with changes and it probably won't take two years."
Let's hope he's right...

I hope he's right Debbie. :hug: But we have to remember, it has to go through the house and senate again. Ugh, I am still holding on, but not holding my breath.

Ok, the good news is we have the Republican leader wanting to work on the bill and hopes to have it passed through the house this session! We really needed the republicans to get on board. My rep is also hopping on and Debbie, we may get Connelly too! Woot!

Debbie, get ready girl, we are bringing you with us when we go to Springfield. Come and ride with us, wont be until later in the session but we need you. :hug:

Hope I'm in town for it...I'll keep emailing Connelly...he was all for the bill except for the home grow part.

Debbie, have brought that up to Lou and think it should be removed. Also want the pilot program part gone as well. If things keep going like it is in Illinois, republicans will take over in 2012 and we can probably kiss our program goodbye. Maybe not since we have republicans on board, but I don't want to take the chance. :-)

I would like to bring some talking points if you don't mind...like we need Obama to put it in the same class as morphine so docs and hospitals can prescribe and distribute.
It's about time the U.S. grows up!!

Yep, Obama knows this but refuses to get on it. His FIL had MS. GRRRRR