There is no question that the speed of the legal acceptance of cannabis has outpaced the progress of scientific research into its use and the beneficial or harmful effects on the human body. The lack of conclusive research into the use of cannabis is illustrated by pseudoscientific claims made about the benefits of cannabis derivatives such as cannabidiol (CBD), a nonpsychoactive substance marketed as CBD oil that can be readily sourced at your local mall, convenience store, or health food store. Also, as Larry A. Davis shows in his July Illinois Bar Journal article, “Too High to Drive?”: The lack of science-based guidance on the safe use and proper regulation of cannabis is apparent in the inconsistent cannabis-based DUI laws that have been enacted in the course of the Illinois General Assembly’s legalization of medical and recreational cannabis. In his article, Davis explores these inconsistencies and their implications on DUI matters.

In June 2020, the ISBA joined several other Illinois bar associations and non-governmental organizations in supporting the state of Illinois’ lawsuit seeking certification and publication of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and opposing the U.S. government’s argument that Illinois (and two other states) lacked Article III standing to bring the action.  The case is Virginia v. Ferriero, 1:20-cv-00242 (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia). Read the ISBA’s brief.

From humble beginnings as a child working in his parents’ grocery store in southern Illinois to his well-earned reputation as the region’s preeminent pension law attorney, Dennis Orsey will bring a wealth of experience to his term as the 144th president of the Illinois State Bar Association. Orsey assumes his role as president during historic turmoil resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn it has created.  “There are going to be lots of firsts as we try to move forward and find our way through this maze,” Orsey says. To learn more about Orsey and his vision for the ISBA, read his featured profile in the Illinois Bar Journal’s July issue.

The Illinois Judicial Conference (IJC) is pleased to announce the creation of a task force to address the ongoing challenges with resuming court operations through the next phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court Operations During COVID-19 Task Force (Task Force) is charged with analyzing and making recommendations regarding the continuing challenges for the administration of justice resultant from the pandemic.