Illinois Chiefs Call for Defeat of Medical Marijuana Bill

Illinois police chiefs and other law enforcement officials are calling for the defeat of HB30, which would legalize marijuana for medicinal use.

Representatives of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) head Peter Bensinger discussed the dangers of the proposed legislation at a Monday event in Chicago.

Bensinger released a letter signed by James E. Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, representing the Department of Justice's position on enforcing marijuana laws in the state.

Other speakers at the event included Fremont (Calif.) Police Chief Craig Steckler, the IACP's second vice president; Champaign (Ill.) Police Chief R.T. Finney, president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; John Kennedy, executive director of the Illinois chiefs; and Ron Brooks, president of the National Narcotics Officers Association Coalition.

The Illinois Partners, a coalition of individuals and organizations that educates the public about marijuana, are also opposing the legislation.