RELIGIOUS LEADERS BACK MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Illinois Senate could vote as early as next week on a bill that
would allow patients who are seriously ill to use medical marijuana
for treatment with a doctor's approval.

In a further attempt to get the bill passed, the Washington,
D.C.-based group Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative claims to have
obtained the support of more than 60 religious leaders statewide. In
a list provided to the Sun-Times, the faiths range from Jewish and
Methodist to Baptist and Roman Catholic. Several lead Chicago parishes.

Medical marijuana is legal in 13 states. An Illinois House panel OKd
it last month.

IDPI executive director Charles Thomas says his organization hopes
the additional backing from these men and women of God "will reassure
the legislators. And for those who are on the fence or maybe somewhat
opposed, you might finally get them to stop and think about it -- to
open up their minds to it a little bit and not just kind of flinch
away. 'Marijuana: bad.' "

A companion bill was passed by the Illinois House Health and Human
Services Committee early last month. Medical marijuana is currently
legal in 13 states.