A FEW PUFFS A DAY KEEP ILLNESS AT BAY

Illinois is slowly getting closer to legalizing medical marijuana. The
Illinois Senate passed the bill to legalize in late May 2009.

The Compassionate Use Act, making medical marijuana legal in
California, was passed on Nov. 5, 1996. There has been much debate
whether to include that same act in Illinois.

This will allow those patients who suffer chronic illnesses, such as
AIDS, cancer, anorexia, spasticity, glaucoma and other conditions to
use medical marijuana.

A prescription is required, and only those with a special card are
allowed to purchase marijuana from certain vendors.

Mixed feelings on the subject continue in California as well as in
Illinois with the discussion to legalize medical marijuana. Each side
has a different argument. One side argues that it should be looked at
with compassion, while the other side looks at the situation as
reckless and dangerous. But just how should the situation be viewed?

Many different viewpoints were considered on the topic of medical
marijuana laws in Illinois. An economist's outlook on the situation
varies from that of a political scientist or law enforcement major.

First year Western Illinois University economics professor Jessica
Harriger is in favor of the decision to legalize medical marijuana in
Illinois.

"It will definitely have some issues to be looked at, but it would be
a great source of tax revenue. Also, anything that doesn't restrict
personal choice is a good thing," Harriger said.

Pot is California's biggest cash crop, generating $14 billion a year
in sales. It can mean billions of dollars for any state that's
strapped for cash. In Illinois, there are many farmers as well as lots
of land.

Another interesting point of view was that from Western Illinois
political science professor Keith Boeckelman. He is also in favor of
legalizing medical marijuana in Illinois.

"If it's legalized and taxed I think it would have an impact on the
economy, but not a huge one," Boeckelman said.

"I am not opposed to marijuana being used for medicinal purposes, but
there can be a concern about improper usage," he added.

A positive aspect of the situation is that it could decrease the use
of other medications such as painkillers, which can often become
addicting and life threatening.

"A reduction in the use of painkillers depends on the situation or
price of marijuana, but because they are substitutes, it should reduce
the use of them," Harriger said.

Senior law enforcement and justice administration major, Dan Haney, is
also in favor of medical marijuana and agrees that it is a safer
alternative than the use of painkillers.

"It can be really good for people who get easily addicted and can also
help with the economy," Haney said. "As a law enforcement major, I
hope it helps police focus on more serious problems."

Law enforcement officials will have to work harder to determine the
difference between medicinal marijuana and street marijuana, and a big
issue that came along with legalizing controlled growth of marijuana
for medical purposes in California was the increase in break-ins.

Marijuana Inc., on MSNBC, is a special on Mendocino County in
California. Many residents there grow as much pot they legally can to
generate their income. Since the U.S. has cracked down on the border,
higher security has lowered the amount of drugs that come through.

Some residents are appalled by the situation while others are
thankful. The special also talked about the increase in robberies and
assaults, another issue that has been discussed in Illinois.

Recently, Illinois has introduced a marijuana substitute called K2. It
was sold throughout Illinois as incense, which can be either burned or
smoked. Many of the K2 users are also those patients who suffer
chronic illness.

"I am not very familiar with this, but I am in favor if it's used for
medical purposes," Boeckelman said.

Last week, the House recently agreed to the ban of K2 in Springfield,
Ill. An answer from the Senate awaits.

Many pros and cons come along with the legalization of medical
marijuana. After much discussion, an answer from the House awaits,
possibly making medical marijuana legal in Illinois.