A proposal to allow the temporary use of cannabis over opioids for pain management was approved by the Illinois Senate Thursday. It would allow a patient who doesn’t have immediate access to a medical marijuana card to be temporarily certified by a doctor to use cannabis.
Chris McCloud is with HCI alternatives, a medical cannabis dispensary. He says this legislative approach is a unique plan addressing the problem of opioid addiction.
“It’s very innovative legislation that has not been attempted in another state. Obviously Illinois is in the same boat with many other states in dealing with the opioid crisis. And all states are grappling with how to tackle the issue.” McCloud says.
Under the current Medical Cannabis Program doctors certify the use of cannabis, and the patient must obtain a medical card to gain access. McCloud says this process often takes too long.
The measure received bipartisan support in the Senate and is expected to be considered in the House in coming weeks.
