MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT-CREATES

Creates the Medical Cannabis Act. Provides that when a person has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition, the person and the person's primary caregiver may be issued a registry identification card by the Department of Public Health that permits the person or the person's primary caregiver to legally possess no more than 12 cannabis plants and two and one-half ounces of usable cannabis. Provides that a person who possesses a registry identification card is not subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denial of any right or privilege, including civil penalty or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for the medical use of cannabis; provided that the qualifying patient or primary caregiver possesses an amount of cannabis that does not exceed 12 cannabis plants and two and one-half ounces of usable cannabis. Provides that within 30 days after the effective date of the Act, the Department shall adopt emergency rules to implement the Act. Creates a task force to implement permanent rules. Provides that if the Department fails to adopt rules to implement the Act within 6 months after the effective date of the Act, a qualifying patient may commence an action in a court of competent jurisdiction to compel the Department to perform the actions mandated pursuant to the provisions of the Act. Provides that a municipality may not prevent a registered organization from operating in accordance with the Act in an area where zoning permits retail businesses. Provides that this provision is a limitation on home rule powers. Provides that if there is a conflict between the Medical Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Control Act, the provisions of the Medical Cannabis Act control. Amends the Cannabis Control Act to make conforming changes consistent with the Medical Cannabis Act. Effective immediately.