Opponents call medical marijuana bill dangerous

A group opposing legalized medical marijuana says there are dangers in allowing patients access to the drug.

The American Society for Addiction Medicine and a former Drug Enforcement Administration official are among those who say there are FDA-approved options patients can take instead. They also claim patients could end up with a surplus, which could find its way into the wrong hand.

They’ve planned a Thursday news conference to discuss the issue.

Earlier this month, the Illinois House approved medical marijuana use. The legislation awaits a Senate vote.

The legislation would allow physicians who have an existing relationship with a patient to prescribe marijuana for some conditions. Patients would be limited to buying 2.5 ounces at a time. Supporters say marijuana can relieve pain without prescription drug side effects.