Find alternatives to medical marijuana

HB 30 (legalization of “medical” marijuana) is moving forward in Springfield. Marijuana impairs cognitive and psychomotor performance, slowing reaction time, limiting short-term memory and making it difficult to concentrate and perform complex tasks. Yet HB 30 allows “patients” to operate a motor vehicle four hours after consumption.

Research indicates negative effects on the heart, lungs, central nervous system and mental health, with significantly more toxic substances than cigarettes. Under HB 30, patients and caregivers could have 2½ ounces of marijuana every 14 days, or enough for 183 joints. Most experienced drug users only smoke three to four joints a day. What happens with the rest? For sale? HB 30 doesn’t limit the number of dispensaries and allows growing and selling on-site or off-site — like in your neighborhood.

In addition, HB 30 rejects the FDA approval process. More effective, safer treatments such as Marinol and Cesamet are available and FDA approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and for AIDS-induced weight loss.

Call your state representative to vote no.

Kathy Valente

Director of operations

Illinois Family Institute

Carol Stream