LITH Preps for Possible Passage of Medical Marijuana Bill

The village of Lake in the Hills is taking steps to prepare for the possible passage of a bill that would allow medical marijuana in Illinois. 

The Lake in the Hills Committee of a Whole will have the chance to discuss Tuesday night a proposal that would allow the LITH Planning and Zoning Commission to review and make recommendations for zoning ordinance amendments if the bill passes. 

The proposed state law, known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, would allow nonprofit medical cannabis organizations to grow, harvest and distribute cannabis. The proposal would allow medical marijuana to be distributed from one center in each Illinois Senate District. 

If the bill does pass, the village of LITH would not be equipped to handle zoning requests for marijuana distribution facilities under the current ordinance, according to the proposed resolution. 

If the law — or any similar law — is passed, the proposed resolution directs the planning and zoning commission "to evaluate the zoning regulations pertaining to distribution facilities, including a public hearing to consider amendments to the village zoning code, and make recommendations to the village board concerning the zoning classification and related standards and requirements regarding distribution facilities." 

The LITH resolution is expected to come before the LITH Village Board for a vote on Thursday. 

Lake Forest, Barrington and Buffalo Grove have passed similar resolutions.