Governor Signs Alternatives to Opioids Act

Gov. Bruce Rauner Tuesday signed the Alternatives to Opioids Act of 2018, adding those who might otherwise seek opioids for pain management to the list of those eligible for medical marijuana.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports opioid deaths in Illinois increased 13 percent from 2016 to 2017. Meanwhile, the Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that states with medical marijuana dispensaries have seen a 14.4 percent decrease in the use of prescription opioids.

The new law, Senate Bill 336, puts in place a pilot program that will not compromise patient safety or diminish medical marijuana program standards, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Licensed physicians must certify an individual has a medical condition for which an opioid has been or could be prescribed. Participants must register at a licensed dispensary. The program is limited to individuals 21 and older. Dispensations are limited to 2.5 ounces every 14 days and cannot exceed 90 days per physician certification.

The Alternatives to Opioids Act of 2018 also allows those applying for a medical cannabis registry card for one of the qualified conditions to access medical cannabis while their application is being reviewed.

“Senate Bill 336 is a sincere, bipartisan effort to address the opioid crisis in our country,” said Sen. Chris Nybo, R-Elmhurst, who attended today’s signing. “If a patient has been prescribed an opioid, by allowing them to use medical marijuana under the direction of a doctor, we are giving them a safer alternative to treat pain. In Illinois, more people died last year from opioid overdoses than fatal car accidents. We have to address this dangerous epidemic.” 

“We’re facing a full-blown crisis in Illinois, especially in our rural communities, with the opioid epidemic,” said Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, who co-sponsored the legislation in the House. “Expanding the use of medical cannabis as an alternative will reduce opioid use and help us truly get a handle on this epidemic. I applaud the governor for signing it into law.”

The Alternatives to Opioids Act of 2018 is effective immediately.