Illinois physicians call on legislature to make marijuana legally available

Nearly 250 physicians in Illinois have voiced their support for a bill that would make medical marijuana legal in the state, according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

"We are not criminals," Julie Falco said at a press conference. "We are just trying to get through the day with a better quality of life."

Falco suffers from multiple sclerosis and said cannabis was the only medication that provided her with relief.

"You could be going through something, and would you not want to have that option if you were allergic to every medication, or it makes you even more depressed, or not wanting to get out of bed, or take your own life?" she added. "Wouldn't you want to try something instead of just going out without that option to have a better quality of life? I beg you. Think about that."

The Illinois House is expected to vote on House Bill 1 on Wednesday. The legislation would allow physicians to prescribe marijuana for certain conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease. If signed into law, Illinois would become the 19th state to legalize medical marijuana.

Watch video, uploaded to YouTube by Progress Illinois, below: