Illinois would establish a four-year medical marijuana pilot program under a bill passed by the state’s Legislature (HB0001 [PDF]) and under review by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, physicians would be allowed to make a medical marijuana recommendation for the treatment of serious diseases causing chronic pain and debilitating conditions including cancer, HIV, glaucoma, and multiple sclerosis. The program would require a doctor’s written certification in order for patients to apply for a registry identification card. The Illinois Department of Public Health would be required to establish and maintain a confidential registry of qualifying patients and to distribute educational materials about the health risks associated with the abuse of cannabis and prescription medications. The Illinois Department of Agriculture would oversee the regulation of up to 22 medical marijuana cultivation centers and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation would be responsible for the registration and oversight of up to 60 dispensing organizations. Governor Quinn said he is “open minded” regarding the bill, reports CBS Chicago. One of the bill’s sponsors, Senator William R. Haine, indicated that the proposed program would alleviate patient suffering while providing strong safeguards against abuse.