SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Republican House members crossed the aisle, citing compassion and mercy on patients in need of pain relief, and came to the aid of State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Chicago) in a vote to legalize medical pot Wednesday. At the same time, those Republicans relieved Democrats in conservative-leaning districts from explaining support to their constituents for voting to legalizing marijuana.
During the fourth time before the Illinois House, nine Republicans stepped in to give State Rep Lou Lang (D-Chicago) the two votes he needed Wednesday to pass HB 1 to legalizing medical marijuana. The legislation will allow doctors to suggest cannabis for their patients' use, and will allow 22 growers and 60 dispensaries throughout the state. HB 1 will now proceed to the Illinois Senate.
Several Republicans stood to voice support of Lang's bill, including State Rep. Mike Tryon, JoAnn Osmond, and David Harris. GOP House members Cross, Harris, Osmond, Pritchard, Reboletti, Roth, Tryon and Wheeler voted "YES." Rep Mike Tryon's comments follow:
Twelve Democrats - Beiser, Bradley, Costello, Crespo, Kifowit, Mautino, Rita, Scherer, Sente, Manley, Moylan and Mussman - voted "NO."
