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* 11:16 am - The medical marijuana bill is now being debated. Live-blog in comments to help us out, please. Watch or listen to the debate by clicking here.
* UPDATE: The bill received 56 votes before some jumped off. It was put on postponed consideration.
* IL Statehouse News video video of sponsoring Rep. Lou Lang’s opening comments…
We should have Big Board video of the vote soon.
* And here’s the Big Board video…
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:17 am
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Listening makes me hunger for Doritos.
Comment by Knome Sane Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:20 am
I’ve only smoked pot once in my entire life.
But I’m starting to think all Illinoisans deserve something to take the edge off.
Listening to Ron Stephens ride his high horse on this issue is a good example.
Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:24 am
hoping they remember that this really helps those in pain cope with disease.
Comment by amalia Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:24 am
The stream is hurting badly, it keeps on skipping. Listening to this made me hungry too for some reason and now a pizza is on its way
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:27 am
What a silly debate. Government does not need to protect people from medical or recreational marijuna.
Comment by Just Observing Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:27 am
I always get a chuckle when I hear Rep. Stephens take a moral stand on the abuse of controlled substances.
Comment by M Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:27 am
===The stream is hurting badly===
Try using audio. It holds up better under heavy loads.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:29 am
Thanks Rich, much better now
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:31 am
Here is my bog concern…driving under the influence applies to pot as much as alcohol. Sobriety tests reveal if someone is drunk, but not necessarily if someone is high. If we legalize the use of pot, how do we protect the public? If someone can tell me how we answer that question with the same certainty as we have with alcohol, then I say go for it.
Comment by A.B. Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:32 am
AB, I saw one study years ago that showed no direct correlation between driving while high on pot and accidents. I haven’t seen anything yet that shows it’s terribly dangerous - or even more dangerous than talking on the phone or eating while driving.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:35 am
A.B. they can apply the same tests we use to protect drivers from folks under the influence of tramadol, oxycodone etc and the myarid of other muscle relaxants and pain killers we prescribe to people every day.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:41 am
I just hope all the hippies watching remember to log off after SB1381, otherwise SB1716 will bring the whole feed to a crashing halt.
MMmmm…. Pizza…
Comment by Learning the Ropes Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:46 am
Re gateway drug argument: If MJ is sold at the drugstore, it would seem that buyers would be less likely to encounter heroin dealers. It would seem that, if anything, this would reduce the gateway effect.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:47 am
Pot it also takes a lot of money away from criminals and *gasp* terrorists. They rely on drugs being illegal to create demand for products to generate them high (no pun) amounts of dollars.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:49 am
Sorry, I was watching my hand move real fast in front of my face … what were we talking about?
It’s a slippery slope, but Medical Marajuana can be the end of that slope, if regulated smartly …
Wait, did I answer the slippery slope arguement, I forgot … Geez, look at how fast my hand waves!
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:52 am
OW sorry I was downing mhy oxy with a couple of shots of bourbon and missed your hand….
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 11:59 am
I mistakenly thought that medical marijuana passed last year. Now that the bill is being debated, I think that I suddenly developed glaucoma, like a few moments ago.
I don’t understand the people who oppose marijuana legalization. They say they worry about availability when it’s already rampant. Since it’s already rampant, why not tax/sell it and at least gain something from it, like tax revenue and a change in law enforcement priorities. Legalization would free up more cops to pursue more serious crimes, especially violent ones.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:01 pm
We think it is easier to understand why Billbroads Cross continues to fail…why would run out RxRon as his lead critic?
Gotta love how the local control freaks want the federal govt to run the show….it gives being two faced a whole new look
Fire, Aim Ready!
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:01 pm
Ron Stephens, really? That’s chutzpah.
Learning — hippies? It’s 2010.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:02 pm
Ron Stephen debating under the influence of hypocrisy.
Comment by Louis XVI Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:10 pm
In 2002, the Office of Management and Budget found that random drug testing does not reduce drug use.
In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics came to the same conclusion.
My advice to the opposition is: tell your employers to stop wasting their money on random drug testing.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:14 pm
The Rep. makes an important point regarding drug testing of employees. If an employee is not impaired at work, why does the employer care what is in the employee’s bloodstream?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:14 pm
AB. I know some of the test will show any imperimant. not what it is but that you are impaired. The eye with the pen test is the best for it. the way the eye reacts on the edges will show any imperimant wiether MJ, Booze or any narcatic. Thays why they all learn it and use it.
Comment by belagarth Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:14 pm
The drug companies likely oppose the bill because they cannot sell MJ. It will eat into their business.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:15 pm
Pot the drug companies already sell MJ. some in pill from others in leaf form…. but they cant patent the formula so the margin or profit for them will be very low if it is legal.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:17 pm
Wordslinger - Hippies are a persistent threat and should never be underestimated. WE MUST REMAIN VIGILANT! =)
Comment by Learning the Ropes Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:18 pm
I love to get high and go for a drive. I love to get high and eat pizza. I like to get high while reading capital fax and listening to idiots.
Comment by nino Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:20 pm
This bill has dragged on for too long. The same questions are being asked over and over.
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:22 pm
I just rolled a number and am synching up the audio feed of the floor debate with the Wizard of Oz. Wow.
Comment by Dave Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:26 pm
I lost my signal, who was the new state rep talking from the GOP side? in re her parent died of bone cancer….
Comment by I'm Just Saying Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:27 pm
Anyone who spends any time at all watching our lawmakers “work” in Springfield would assume they are under the influence of something a lot stronger than mary jane. These guys do know they are on camera right?
Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:30 pm
Lang is screaming at the top of his lungs to prove his point
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:30 pm
OOOWWWWWW!
I feel some glaucoma coming on!
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:32 pm
AB: Your argument assumes that people aren’t smoking pot now because its illegal and once its legal everyone will smoke pot and drive around. I hardly doubt in the year 2010 people aren’t smoking pot because its illegal and are only waiting for the ok of the government to go ahead and smoke.
Comment by Just Observing Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:34 pm
==These guys do know they are on camera right?==
Yeah, they know and they don’t care, They know nobody but us would waste their time watching it.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:35 pm
Verification-this means it will be close
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:35 pm
I thought it was a good close from Lang.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:35 pm
So far it looks like it has failed and has been put on postponed consideration
Comment by Publius Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:37 pm
Somebody get out the bongs.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:37 pm
Rich, or anyone, did you capture the unofficial vote count before consideration was postponed?
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:38 pm
Great close by Lang. A valiant effort by a guy who actually is concerned about improving the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses. The 56 original YES voters had guts, as did the ones who originally voted NO.
However, the people who dropped off at the end because the votes weren’t there should be ashamed of themselves.
In Illinois, all that matters is politics. Never policy, only politics. It is disgusting.
Comment by So. ILL Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:43 pm
no direct correlation between driving while high on pot……..
OMG are you kidding? Impairment by any means is a danger to the motorist and all those in their vicinity.
Once Mothers Against Drunk Driving gets done making a BAC of .02 the new limit I will sent them off to protect the public from the other types of impaired drivers…..
Comment by Plutocrat03 Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:46 pm
What good is being a lame duck if you can’t throw your vote to a worthy cause?
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:49 pm
Fritchey posted on Facebook that it was 53-59-1. If the Yeas got up to 56, that mean’s two or three profiles in courage switched at the end. Something to be proud of.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:53 pm
===
What good is being a lame duck if you can’t throw your vote to a worthy cause?
===
Throwing your vote to an unworthy cause in the hopes of landing a fat lobbying job afterwards?
Comment by John Galt Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:55 pm
wow,man! Bummer!
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 12:56 pm
A joke I heard recently; the drunk driver hits the stop sign, the stoned driver waits for it to turn green
Comment by Debbie Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 1:29 pm
Verschoore, Nekritz, & Thapedi are the three who changed their minds during the vote.
Nice work.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 1:39 pm
Opponents are free to celebrate with shots of Jack Daniels at the pub of their choice.
As long as we continue our strange marijuana laws, the Mexican cartels are free to celebrate as well — and in style. The weed will keep flowing north, the guns and money will keep flowing south. And we’ll continue to have a virtually lawless southern border.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 1:42 pm
Acevedo switched from Y to P; May went Y to N to Y
Comment by Pot calling kettle Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 1:44 pm
Can someone explain the significance of the bill’s postponement? Effectively dead, right?
Comment by Questioner Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 1:49 pm
Recommended Reading:
‘This is Your Country on Drugs.’
Useful Fact: The preferred source for teens today who want to get high is their parent’s medicine cabinet or purse.
Perhaps Lang should introduce legislation that bans all of the prescription drugs that teens are using to get high today to get PHARMA’s attention:
OxyCotin
Vicodin
Xanax
Valium
Dexadrine
Adderall
and my personal favorite, Ritalin. That’s right, one of the most-commonly prescribed stimulants for kids is one of the most commonly abused. School kids are handing them out to their classmates like M&M’s.
“Ritalin Makes Friends.”
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 2:04 pm
What’s going on now? Have they started the civil unions debate? Sorry the feed won’t work on my computer.
Comment by UISer Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 2:10 pm
I suppose it will only fan the flames but - if MJ is made legal, will that stop the drugs flowing north and the guns and money flowing south? I hardly think so. While the argument for making pot legal is strong given the relative danger (or lack) it poses, to say that the legalization of pot will reduce the lawlessness at the southern border is to ignore the facts. It ain’t just the pot going on down there. Would you want for all drugs to be legalized and the border swung completely open(something not done anywhere else in the world) for anyone and everyone (and everything) to pass thru?
There is plenty of ammunition to push for more lax MJ laws. Saying it could end violence in Mexico just ain’t supported by the evidence IMO.
Comment by dupage dan Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 2:14 pm
Shouldn’t this be handled in a joint session?
Comment by Voice of Reason Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 2:44 pm
Everyone is cracking me up with the puns. Thanks for making my day
Comment by Tax It to "high" heaven Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 2:53 pm
DD, not following you. If marijuana were legal, what would be the profit motive for Mexican cartels? Repeal of the Volstead Act put most bootleggers out of business.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 2:55 pm
I believe marijuana is at least 75% of the Mexican cartel’s action. That is why they are funding those in opposition. Kind of like don’t ask, don’t tell. Have a cookkie!
Also marijauna is a road putting poor blacks in jail. We have not changed that much since the days of slavery in this regard. My humble opinion.
gg
Comment by gg Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 3:09 pm
To Mr. Lang,
My daughter, who has MS, and I would both like to thank you for trying and hope you will continue to put up the good fight.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 3:17 pm
Stephens claims the bill was defeated on Facebook.
Comment by Highland, IL Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 4:10 pm
Stephens can claim whatever he wants. It’s not looking good, but it ain’t dead yet.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 4:12 pm
McCarthy speaking on pension bill at the moment, SB3538, says:
- pension age 55
- maximum pensionable salary $106,800 starting in 2011, “same as in Senate Bill 1946″
- only applies to new employees
- final average pensionable salary will be computed through average of last 8 years
Osterman rose to express concern about what it will do to the city budget; McCarthy stated in reply that Chicago pension system “could be bankrupt as soon as 2020 if they keep doing what they’re doing”.
Amiable exchange.
Comment by S Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 4:44 pm
Passes 95 Y - 18 N
Comment by S Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 4:47 pm
Dudes,
There is no such thing as “clean coal”.
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 4:57 pm
Medical marijuana? Should be a slam dunk, but the right thing never is.
Comment by Oh, please! Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 5:00 pm
and away we go!
Comment by Bill Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 5:17 pm
Harry Osterman and John “double dipper” D’Amico voted to legalize pot? They are for it? Wow.
Comment by Patrick McDonough Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 5:30 pm
Nekritz changed to vote against?
Comment by amalia Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 6:21 pm
i know it helped me when i did 48 weeks of chemo i bet they never thought about that now did they
Comment by pj da dj Tuesday, Nov 30, 10 @ 7:55 pm
Legalize it already.. I don’t do it but if alcohol is legal then pot should definitely be legal! Alcohol kills hundreds of thousands of people per year.
Comment by Joe Blow Wednesday, Dec 1, 10 @ 12:47 am