Medical Marijuana Legislation Narrowly Passes Illinois Senate
Source: Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post

A bill to legalize medical marijuana narrowly passed the Illinois Senate Wednesday by a vote of 30 to 28, with 1 'present' vote.

The vote on SB 1381, The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, was postponed repeatedly as its sponsor, Sen. William R. Haine (D-Alton), waited until all his 'yes' votes were present to call the vote.

That opportunity came late Wednesday afternoon, and its passage was met with clapping in the Senate gallery.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, John Adams, one of our founding fathers once said facts are stubborn things," Haine said right before the vote. "And the facts surrounding medical marijuana are that it does offer a benefit to those who suffer."

The bill allows patients with diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS to use marijuana on their doctors' advice without the threat of arrest and incarceration.

Sen. J. Bradley Burzynski (R-Sycamore) asked that the narrow vote be confirmed by a roll call, which it was.

After the recount, the gallery again erupted in applause.

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