STATE LAWMAKERS ARE EXPANDING THE STATE’S MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM.

THE PROGRAM BEGAN IN 2013 AS A PILOT VENTURE AND WAS SET TO EXPIRE NEXT YEAR. THE LEGISLATURE VOTED TO MAKE IT PERMANENT AND TO ADD MORE AILMENTS MARIJUANA CAN BE USED TO TREAT. HOUSE G-O-P LEADER JIM DURKIN SAYS HE INITIALLY HAD DOUBTS, BUT WAS CONVINCED AFTER HEARING THE STORIES OF PEOPLE WHO BENEFITED FROM MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

SENATOR LAURA FINE OF GLENVIEW SAYS MEDICAL MARIJUANA HAS BEEN BENEFICIAL TO HER HUSBAND WHO LOST AN ARM IN A CAR ACCIDENT.

THE NEW CONDITIONS IN THE PROGRAM INCLUDE ANOREXIA, MIGRAINES, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AND CHRONIC PAIN. THE GOVERNOR WILL NEED TO SIGN THE BILL INTO LAW.