Pubdate: Fri, 10 May 2013
Source: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
Copyright: 2013 The Daily Herald Company
Contact:  http://www.dailyherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/107
Author: John J. Sliozis

OPPOSE LEGALIZATION OF MEDICAL POT

On April 17, the Illinois House of Representatives passed HB 001,
often referred to as "medical marijuana" legislation, by a vote of
61-57 in favor. The legislation has passed a Senate committee and is
next expected to be called for a vote in the Senate sometime during
the next few weeks. As a law enforcement official for 37 years and the
chief of police in Deerfield for 12 years, I find it imperative to
voice my concerns concerning this pending legislation with members of
the community.

As proposed, the legislation includes the following provisions: allows
18-year-olds (high school seniors) to get medical marijuana cards
without a parent's permission, allows qualifying medical marijuana
patients to get 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14-day period or 13
"joints" per day (with this much marijuana, diversion of the extra
will become problematic), allows a qualified medical marijuana patient
to drive under the influence of marijuana unless found to be
"impaired" (enforcement of "impaired" becomes very problematic), and
does not allow local government to prohibit the cultivation,
dispensing and use of medical cannabis as authorized (a dispensing
site could come to your community).

These points are just some of the "high" lights proposed. The village
of Deerfield has long been an advocate of programs designed to teach
and educate students and parents about drug use and the potential
pitfalls and addictions that can result. The community has
historically been a recognized leader through parent groups like
"Deerfield Citizens for Drug Awareness" and most recently "Parents.
The Anti-Drug."

Passage of such legislation is contrary to what members of the
community have striven to achieve for years concerning the use of
illicit drugs. I strongly urge all members of the community to contact
their local state Senate and House representatives to voice opposition
to this proposed legislation.

John J. Sliozis

Chief of Police

Deerfield
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MAP posted-by: Matt