Sunday 20 July 2014

Quinn to OK marijuana use for children with epilepsy



CHICAGO — Gov. Pat Quinn plans to sign legislation in Chicago Sunday that would let minors with epilepsy use medical marijuana.




Lawmakers approved the measure sponsored by Democratic state Sen. Iris Martinez and Rep. Lou Lang this spring.




The bill would add epilepsy to the list of treatable diseases in Illinois’ medical cannabis pilot program. It also would allow children with epilepsy to consume oil from the marijuana plant with a parent’s consent.




Currently, only Illinois residents 18 years and older may use medical marijuana in the state’s four-year pilot program.




Parents of children with epilepsy say consuming the oil reduces seizures and doesn’t make children feel high. Opponents disagree with further legalizing the drug.




The legislation would be effective in January.




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Online: www.ilga.gov




The bill is SB2636.




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