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Illinois will become the second state bordering Indiana to start administering medical marijuana to patients come spring, and more than 6,000 residents have applied under the state’s Medical Cannabis Pilot Program since Sept.
State Police say they don’t expect Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Pilot Program to cause an influx of marijuana in Indiana. Strict guidelines mean only Illinois residents with one of 35 debilitating medical conditions qualify for the program.
Indiana State Police Capt. David Bursten says the only problem he anticipates is Illinois residents not being familiar with Indiana laws when they cross the state line.
"It’s incumbent upon people that get medical marijuana in their home state, if their home state permits that, to recognize that whenever they travel to other parts of the country that what they have issued from their state may not be legal in another state," Bursten says.
Michigan voters approved a similar medical marijuana program in 2008. State Police say it didn’t cause a significant increase in marijuana trafficking, either.
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