Opioid Users Should Get Medical Marijuana Cards: IL Senator

SPRINGFIELD, IL — An Illinois state senator has passed legislation that will allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana in order to decrease opioid dependence. Senate members including sponsor, Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), voted 44-6 to pass the bipartisan Alternatives to Opioids Act on April 26, which adds any health issues where opioids may be prescribed to the list of what qualifies for the state's medical cannabis program, Senate officials say. This will allow those who might use opioids in recovery to instead participate in the medical marijuana program.

Senate officials say the program will permit patients to apply for a medical marijuana card from their doctor and use it at a dispensary to get the cannabis, which would hopefully treat their pain without opioid use.

“Opioid addiction is one of the most pressing public health issues in our state,” Harmon said. “It kills thousands of Illinoisans every year and costs the state nearly $1 billion. We should be open to any reasonable solution to tackle it.”

Dispensaries would be required to confirm the physician certification before giving the medical marijuana in a set amount and duration. Senate officials say the patient would also be given a card which shows they are in lawful possession of the drug.

“We know that medical cannabis is a safe alternative treatment for the same conditions for which opioids are prescribed,” Harmon said. “This legislation aims to stop dependence before it begins by providing an immediate alternative.”

The legislation, Senate Bill 336, now heads to the House Rules Committee.

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