Chicago Crime Commission calls on Gov. Quinn to veto medical marijuana bill

CHICAGO, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Chicago Crime Commission joined the Illinois Sheriffs' Association and the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police by calling on Governor Pat Quinn to veto legislation that would legalize medical marijuana in Illinois.  If signed into law, there is fear that House Bill 1 will present serious public safety risks to the citizens of the state.

The Chicago Crime Commission is concerned that the amount of marijuana provided to each patient is simply too high.  "Allowing each card holder 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks will provide a surplus of marijuana that will undoubtedly find its way into the wrong hands and have significant law enforcement implications," said Joe Ways, executive director of the Chicago Crime Commission.

"We are equally troubled that the medical marijuana bill that has been presented to the governor is lacking provisions for a standard of impairment test that can accurately assess motorists," Ways continued.  "It is critical that Illinois avoids the mistakes of states like Colorado, where passage of medical marijuana legislation resulted in a dramatic jump in crashes where the driver tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana," he added.

Beyond the scope of law enforcement, the Chicago Crime Commission implored the Governor to consider the opposition of this bill among experts in the medical community.  "It is important to note that the American Cancer Society, as well as the national associations that represent treatment for Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis, diseases where medical marijuana would be available, all oppose this legislation," Ways concluded.

Contact: 
John Pastuovic
312-372-0101 X 240

SOURCE Chicago Crime Commission