SPRINGFIELD - State lawmakers voted down a proposal Thursday that would have allowed those with "debilitating medical conditions" to grow and smoke marijuana.

The measure would have allowed the person or their caregiver to legally possess no more than 12 plants and 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana upon receiving a diagnosis from a physician.

The proposal was defeated 29-22 in the state Senate.

State Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago, said he was disappointed with the outcome and said fear is preventing lawmakers from making what should be a commonsense decision.

"There's a perception that some people are going to be viewed as soft on crime, but that has nothing to do with it," he said. "I don't think people realize how popular this is in their districts."

Cullerton said he would consider trying to pass a similar measure before the end of the legislative session, scheduled to wrap up in three weeks.

"I won't call it again unless I have a good chance of passing it," he said.

State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, voted against the proposal, saying it rests on a "faulty premise."

"It treats marijuana or cannabis as a medicine," he said, before noting that marijuana is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. "We don't know what the long-term affects of smoking marijuana may be, in which case I think calling this a medicine is very much a misnomer."

State Sen. Dave Syverson of Rockford was the only Republican to vote in favor of the measure. Only two Democrats from outside of the Chicago area voted "yes": state Sens. Mike Jacobs of East Moline and Bill Haine of Alton.

Roadside memorials

A Senate panel unanimously approved a proposal for the state to erect roadside memorials for victims of drinking and driving Thursday.

The measure provides that, at the request of the next-of-kin of a DUI victim, state Department of Transportation officials can place a roadside marker in recognition of the deceased and as a reminder to not drink and drive.

Signs would be 2-by-3 feet and include a message asking motorists not to drink and drive. The sign, which would be placed at the location of the wreck, would also include the victim's name and the date of their crash.

The measure will require another vote on the Senate floor before being sent to Gov. Rod Blagojevich for approval. The legislation is House Bill 1900.

Blackwell Thomas can be reached at blackwell.thomas@lee.net or at 217-789-0865.