Gov. Pat Quinn needs to sign House Bill 001 into law. 

He has yet to take action on this bill, also known as Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, and now it sits on his desk.

Quinn has remained ambiguous throughout the legislative process concerning medical marijuana only saying he is “open-minded” on the subject.

This sounds like classic politicking to me, not saying that he is for or against the idea.  I wonder why he has yet to commit one way or the other.

Is he actually against it, and hoping that he can let it sit on his desk until the legislature goes into recess and let it die on his, or then veto it, in either case starting the process over.

I’m sure this is his plan, because if he were in fact in favor of this measure, he would have already signed the bill.

I don’t understand what the problem is. We aren’t talking about recreational use — we are talking about giving patients relief from debilitating pain.

For those who are unaware of what this bill is, it is the most restrictive medical marijuana bill in America — little shock there.

It is a pilot program set to sunset in four years, meaning that if it isn’t renewed at this time, it will expire. If it is signed in to law it will go into effect Jan. 1, 2014.

It allows for patients to be prescribed marijuana by a physician with who the patient already has an established relationship.

The law allows for the possession of 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days for those who have been prescribed it, and doesn’t allow the patient to grow their own at home.

The law allows for 60 licensed state dispensaries and 22 licensed cultivation centers.

I know what you’re saying: “marijuana is federally illegal.” 

The language of the law correctly points out, “States are not required to enforce federal law or prosecute people for engaging in activities prohibited by federal law.”

And yes, federal law also needs to be reformed to allow for medical marijuana, but that’s another fight.

The law also points out that 99 of 100 arrests are at the state and not federal level, and these numbers come from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reports and Compendium of Federal Justice Statistics.

So, it seems to me that part of the aim of this law is to ease the congestion in the courts and penitentiary system, freeing up resources for greater threats to public safety.

With all that being said, there are people with debilitating health problems in this country who depend on marijuana to live normal lives, and pharmaceuticals either don’t work or case further problems, and all they are asking for is compassion. 

Marcus Smith can be reached at 581-2812 or masmith2@eiu.edu.