NORML's Smoke the Vote

A+ Robyn Gabel (D - IL) LEGALIZE, TAX, AND REGULATE MEDICAL USE

"I have constituents who suffered during the final months of their lives and died waiting for a medical marijuana card that in other states takes days if not hours to clear with doctors. Our current system is unconscionably painful to our family members and neighbors."

Holds office State House District 18

Position on Marijuana Legalization

Co-Sponsor of HB2353, which would legalize purchase of marijuana by anyone 21 years of age or older, in Illinois.

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"Medical marijuana is already legal in Illinois but we need to address the shocking impediments to care in our medical marijuana system. The General Assembly has implemented a new pilot program to help divert pain prescriptions from opioids to medical cannabis and has given instructions to school districts to allow properly treated juveniles the ability to access their medical cannabis, but that still isn’t enough. I have constituents who suffered during the final months of their lives and died waiting for a medical marijuana card that in other states takes days if not hours to clear with doctors. Our current system is unconscionably painful to our family members and neighbors.

I support the legalization of recreational marijuana. In March, voters in Cook County overwhelmingly voted in favor of a non binding referendum to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana. Current drug laws are enforced discriminatively in our state so by legalizing and regulating this industry, one of the most egregious racial injustices will be addressed. It is also shown that it could bring in $700 million to the state budget through taxation and regulation of recreational marijuana." (Chicago Sun Times, 10/18/18)