Illinois Senate Passes Measure to Offer Marijuana Alternative to Opioids
The Illinois Senate passed legislation this week that would allow medical marijuana to be prescribed as an alternative to opioids. Senate Bill 336, which passed by a 44-6 vote, would allow patients to take a certificate from a physician to a medical marijuana dispensary in order to transition off an opioid prescription or treat pain without ever using them. “We know that medical cannabis is a safe alternative treatment for the same conditions for which opioids are prescribed,” said Senator Don Harmon, the bill’s sponsor, in a press release. “This legislation aims to stop dependence before it begins by providing an immediate alternative.” The legislation is now in the rules committee of the Illinois House. (Southern Illinoisan)