Statement from Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois on SB 336 signing

ALLIANCE: Patients, Illinois Win Big New Opioid Alternative Law
 
SPRINGFIELD – The Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois, representing cultivation centers and dispensaries licensed under the Illinois medical cannabis pilot program, today issued the following statement as Governor Rauner signed Senate Bill 336:
 
“Today, Illinois has taken an important step forward in health care policy. With the signing of Senate Bill 336 into law, we are helping address the scourge of prescription opioid abuse that costs thousands their lives in Illinois, and giving many Illinoisans the real relief they need through Illinois’ medical cannabis program.
 
Backed by proven medical research, this new law provides a smart alternative for Illinois patients suffering from pain that until now has been treated by dangerously addictive opioids. Illinois’ pilot program for medical cannabis can help reduce opioid use and avoid more senseless addictions and overdoses.
 
We are also providing a critical streamlining of the application process to the medical cannabis program with this law, which will allow all patients to benefit from receiving the help they need from cannabis treatment much quicker than the significant wait times that are so frustrating now. We thank our lead sponsors in the Illinois Senate and House, Senate President Pro Tempore Don Harmon and Rep. Kelly Cassidy, Gov. Rauner and the strong bipartisan majorities that supported providing patients health and regulatory relief through this new law.”
 

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