Oberweis Defends His Vote for Medical Marijuana

Illinois state Sen. Jim Oberweis says he broke ranks with most fellow Republicans and voted to legalize medical marijuana because it might help people in pain.
 
Oberweis was a vocal critic of former GOP Chairman Pat Brady for supporting same-sex marriage, which the party platform opposes. It also opposes illegal drug use. However, the well-known conservative says it's different for a legislator to go against the party platform.
 
Oberweis tells the Daily Herald it was Brady's job to represent the party's ideals. He adds a legislator has a right "to vote as he or she sees fit."
 
Brady stepped down as GOP chairman earlier this month.
 
The medical marijuana law allows a patient with a relationship with a doctor to be prescribed a limited amount from a state-run dispensary.