With the Illinois House of Representative possibly voting on the legalization of medicinal marijuana this week, nearly 250 physicians in the state have announced their support of the legislation.
“Who
wouldn’t try something illegal if they’ve run out of options,” asked
Julie Falco, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 27 years ago and
said in 2004 she had thoughts of suicide as a result of a “cloud of
heavy medications.”
“The medications didn’t make me feel better,
they made me feel worse,” she said, noting that she turned to cannabis when
she saw no alternative and immediately saw an “enormous benefit.”
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Earlier today, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance pushed by Mayor Rahm
Emanuel to let the Chicago Police Department issue $250 to $500 tickets to people caught with 15 grams or less of pot, instead of arresting them. The ordinance passed by a 44-3 vote.
Most aldermen who spoke on the council floor gave the same talking
points: Black residents are a disproportionate target of marijuana arrests, the
Cook County court dismisses most pot arrests, and ticketing will save
police resources.