[420 Girl]

Despite heavy publicity and increased political momentum, an Illinois Senate bill to legalize medical marijuana in the Land of Lincoln still faces long odds.

State Sen. William R. Haine (D-Alton), sponsor of The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, told the Huffington Post he plans to bring his bill to a floor vote this week, though observers said its chances of passing both the Senate and the House are slim.

"This is not a bill legalizing all marijuana use. This is not a stealth bill legalizing use," Haine said. "This is a bill that restricts use to those who are suffering or dying."

State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) said that he doesn't "want to see anyone needlessly suffer," but that the bill's chances aren't good.

"I really don't think it will pass the House," Franks said.

Yet a new round of amendments, a recent push from religious leaders and an aggressive advertising campaign from the Marijuana Policy Project has medical marijuana supporters optimistic.

More than 60 religious leaders voiced public support for the Senate and House bills, which would allow patients with diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis and HIV/AIDS to use marijuana on their doctors' advice without the threat of arrest and incarceration.

"With Illinois legislators on both sides of the aisle voting in favor of and sponsoring this legislation, it is clear that this is not a partisan issue -- it is a compassion issue," said Charles Thomas, executive director of the Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative, which is coordinating the religious lobbying effort.

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