Updated on Thursday at 12:29 p.m. --
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act.
"Over the years, I've been moved by the brave patients and veterans who are fighting terrible illnesses. They need and deserve pain relief," said Quinn.
The law takes effect on January 1, 2014.
Original story published at on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 11:44 a.m. --
Illinois will become the 20th state to allow Medical Marijuana.
On Thursday, August 1, 2013, Governor Pat Quinn was expected to sign the bill legalizing medical marijuana, based on doctor recommendation. The bill was approved by the Senate in May and the House in April. The bill was endorsed by the Illinois Nurses Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Qualifying patients may get marijuana from one of up to 60 dispensaries. The dispensaries get the marijuana from cultivation centers.
The process from growing to being placed in the patients hands will be regulated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health, and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.