Illinois Medical Marijuana Rules Announced

Illinois has released details about new medical marijuana regulations, which includes a $100 annual fee for patients seeking treatment. Veterans and those people with disabilities would only be required to pay $50 under the new rules.

Under the original proposed rules, fees would have been set at $150 and $75, but those costs were reduced following complaints from patients.

Any businesses wishing to provide medical marijuana to patients will be required to have $500,000 on hand and carry significant insurance.

At the last minute, lawmakers struck down a provision that affected gun owners.

The original provisions would have also required medical marijuana patients to surrender their firearm owner ID cards. This proposed regulation created a firestorm of controversy both inside Illinois and around the country, before being removed.

Julie Falco of Chicago, who treats MS with the plant said, “Anything that makes it less burdensome for the patients is always a good thing.”

In addition, advertisements for cannabis will not be allowed to resemble candy, and may not use the flag of the state.

A board reviewing new uses for medical cannabis has also been expanded from nine to 15 members, including patients.

Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey is now asking state lawmakers to consider legislation, legalizing recreational use of cannabis.

The commissioner said, “We can find a way to do this and look at what other states have done, and cherry pick the good ideas, dismiss the bad ideas and find a workable policy that recognizes what we’re doing now simply isn’t right.”

The new regulations will now be open for public comment during the next 45 days.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20140418/NEWS02/140419745

http://www.wbez.org/news/illinois-lawmakers-call-pot-task-force-110091

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-service-offered-for-illinois-medical-marijuana-

candidates-257395631.html

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/index/register/register_volume38_issue16.pdf

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/04/18/illinois-medical-marijuana-rules-drop-gun-language