An Illinois House committee has approved a measure that would allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
The House Human Services Committee voted 11-4 Wednesday to move the proposal to the full House for consideration.
The measure would allow patients over the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with specific terminal illnesses or debilitating medical conditions to obtain marijuana.
Cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV are among the illnesses.
Supporters say marijuana can relieve continual pain without triggering the harmful effects that other prescription drugs may commonly cause.
The measure gives a framework for a four-year pilot program that includes requiring patients and caregivers to submit background checks.
But opponents say the program would encourage the use of marijuana for recreational purposes.
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:56:25 GMT
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
After collecting tens of thousands of dollars for themselves on Wednesday, members of the General Assembly plan to kick the can of public employee pension reform down the road for at least one more month.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Monday, June 17 2013 12:03 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:03:54 GMT
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Carla Oglesby is accused of using fake contracts to scam hundreds of thousands of dollars to herself and her friends, from local vendors. She was first arrested nearly three years ago.
Friday, June 14 2013 9:36 PM EDT2013-06-15 01:36:02 GMT
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Lawyers for Jesse Jackson Jr. assert in a court filing that the former Illinois congressman's mental health may worsen if he is given a lengthy prison sentence.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:46 PM EDT2013-06-15 00:46:35 GMT
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Political observers will be closely watching as New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie participates in a discussion at the Clinton Global Initiative in Chicago.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:39 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:39:42 GMT
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
Preliminary reports show industrial chemicals seeped into Lake Michigan on Monday afternoon, causing the closure of Porter Beach. Officials said Chicago beaches are not expected to be affected.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Chicago Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein answered your questions about warning signs, flea remedies, paw pad injuries and bad breath.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Summer is here and running season is in full swing, but you might not have everything you need. David Zimmer of Fleet Feet Sports shared tips on how to buy the best pair of running shoes for your feet.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Human rights advocate Marianne Elliot wrote "Zen under Fire," a powerful memoir about her experience as a U.N. peacekeeper in war-torn Afghanistan. She also does yoga to de-stress in her everyday life.
Monday, June 17 2013 4:29 PM EDT2013-06-17 20:29:00 GMT
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues.
There are an increasing number of veterans returning home who may end up homeless due to a myriad of issues; family connection, mental and physical health challenges, and difficulty transitioning to civilian life.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Daniela Schreier spoke on 43-year-old Paula Cooper's release from prison. She was put on death row for killing an elderly woman for $10 when she was 16. She also spoke on Edward Snowden.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
About 37 million American suffer from migraines. Spa owner Leah Chavie shared a few ways to get relief from the pain, including peppermint oil and other treatments this Migraine Awareness Month.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
On Monday's House Call, Dr. Mona Khanna explained how breast-feeding may be good for brain power, addressed an alarming The Nap Nanny recall and how exercise therapy can help the mentally ill.
