MONTEL WILLIAMS LOBBYING FOR PASSAGE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

SPRINGFIELD -- Former talk show host Montel Williams is lobbying
state lawmakers to approve legislation legalizing marijuana for medical use.

The television personality is scheduled to meet with members of the
Illinois House in the hours leading up to a planned vote Tuesday on
the issue, said state Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat who is
sponsoring the legislation.

Williams has multiple sclerosis and uses medical marijuana to help
ease the effects of his condition.

Under the proposed law, certain patients could obtain medical-grade
marijuana from state-regulated dealers for use in their homes.

Lang said he's not sure the measure will be approved. He said he has
between 58 and 65 votes. Sixty are needed for passage.

"We're very close. I've got a lot of fence-sitters," Lang said.

If approved, Illinois would be among 16 states in the nation allowing
marijuana use for medical purposes.

Williams is among a lengthy line of celebrities who have visited the
Statehouse in recent years to press various causes. Others include
movie starlet Bo Derek, former Chicago Bull Bill Cartwright, musician
Rick Nielsen and actress Morgan Fairchild.

The legislation is Senate Bill 1381.