Pubdate: Sun, 31 May 2009
Source: Alton Telegraph, The (IL)
Copyright: 2009 The Telegraph
Contact:  http://www.thetelegraph.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1207
Author: Laura Griffith, The Telegraph
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

SIDES SPLIT OVER MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

As the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois comes closer to
reality, law enforcement agencies continue to maintain their opposition.

Senate Bill 1381, which passed the Illinois Senate on Wednesday by a
vote of 30-28, also passed the House Health and Human Services
Committee on Thursday and is expected to move to a floor vote.

Advocates such as Bruce Mirken, of the nationwide Marijuana Policy
Project, hope that the bill will come to a vote and be on the
governor's desk by the end of the General Assembly's current session,
which is scheduled for today but could be extended.

If medical marijuana becomes legal, suffering patients who seek to use
it for medical purposes won't have to break the law in order to get
it, said state Sen. William Haine, D-Alton, who sponsored the Senate
bill.

"It's an idea whose time has come. I will never sponsor a bill that I
don't personally believe in. This bill is reasonable," said Haine, who
comes from a conservative family and a background in law. "This bill
will enhance the common good."

Haine said his constituents are generally aware of what's going on in
Springfield and are quick to voice their opinions if they feel
strongly either way.

"I've gotten a few letters against it, but more for it," Haine said.
"I've received not a lot of mail on the subject, which means the
majority of people really don't care."

As a former Madison County state's attorney, Haine is tuned into the
concerns posed by law enforcement and knew the obstacles he could face
in sponsoring the bill.

"I love a challenge," he said.

Although the Illinois House passed a similar medical marijuana measure
earlier in the year, the Senate version included a number of
amendments to tighten restrictions, Haine's response to those concerns.

While Haine said local law enforcement entities appreciate the
measures he's taken, as of Thursday, most remained officially opposed.

Jersey County State's Attorney Ben Goetten declined to comment
specifically on the legislation or its possible ramifications, but he
issued the following statement:

"As a prosecutor, it is my duty to follow the law and hold those
accountable for breaking it. I would like to say I not only respect
Sen. Haine, but I trust in his judgment. Proponents of this bill could
not have chosen a more capable sponsor. Sen. Haine's legislative
experience, coupled with his law enforcement background and common
sense, exponentially increase the likelihood that this bill will be
successful."

Not everyone sounds so positive.

Illinois State Police have opposed the bill in part because they lack
a way to measure impairment. Haine added an amendment removing the
right of medical marijuana users to drive while under the influence
and increased the oversight of dispensers and the penalties on those
who sell marijuana illegally.

Madison County Sheriff Robert Hertz couldn't speak on behalf of all
law enforcement officials but said he opposes the legislation personally.

"Specifically myself, I'm dead against it," he said. "What's next?
Cocaine? Meth?"

Hertz worries that marijuana would be hard to control once an
authorized person gets possession of it.

Like other prescription drugs, there is a chance that someone outside
of the patient who holds the prescription could come into possession
of it.

"Hopefully, (the bill) will have enough oversight to it, making
certain those who are supposed to be entitled to it are the only ones
getting it," he said.

Haine said he thinks the restrictions will help prevent abuse. He also
said that drug dealers will suffer because patients in need of the
drug no longer will be forced to turn to their illegal sources.

Hertz said he also worries about the message legalization would send
to children.

"I could see some kids thinking, 'Well, if it's OK for people who are
in pain and suffering, it could be good for me,'" Hertz said.
"Marijuana use leads to use of other illegal drugs. I just think it
sends the wrong signal to youth."

Hertz said he and a handful of other law enforcement officials
approached Haine months ago and indicated their displeasure with the
bill.

"I don't think that you'll find many law enforcement professionals
(who support this)," he said. "I would think that they would have
better things to do in Springfield in light of what's going on instead
of spending any time on this subject. My guess is the majority of
people would not be supportive."

Despite his stance on this issue, Hertz describes himself as a
humanitarian and said nobody should have to live in pain.

"With the way medical technology is today, they can develop a drug
that can have the same effect, assuming what they say about medical
marijuana is accurate," he said.

In fact, that drug already exists in the form of a tablet called
Marinol, synthetic THC.

Doctors throughout the area and state have varying opinions on whether
Marinol is enough or whether the legalization of medical marijuana
would present another viable treatment option.

[sidebar]

MORE ON THE WEB

Marijuana Policy Project - http://www.mpp.org

NORML - http://www.norml.org

ProCon.org Medical Marijuana debate - http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/

Educating Voices, Inc. - http://www.educatingvoices.org/