(720 ILCS 570/508) (from Ch. 56 1/2, par. 1508)

Sec. 508.

(a) The Department shall encourage research on controlled
substances.  In connection with the research, and in furtherance of the
purposes of this Act, the Department may:

(1) establish methods to assess accurately the effect of controlled substances and

identify and characterize those with potential for abuse;

(2) make studies and undertake programs of research to:

(i) develop new or improved approaches, techniques, systems, equipment and devices

to strengthen the enforcement of this Act;

(ii) determine patterns of use, misuse, and abuse of controlled substances and their

social effects; and

(iii) improve methods for preventing, predicting, understanding, and dealing with

the use, misuse and abuse of controlled substances; and

(3) enter into contracts with public agencies, educational institutions, and private

organizations or individuals for the purpose of conducting research, demonstrations, or special projects which relate to the use, misuse and abuse of controlled substances.

(b) Persons authorized to engage in research may be authorized by the
Department to protect the privacy of individuals who are
the subjects of such research by withholding from all persons not connected
with the conduct of the research the names and other identifying
characteristics of such individuals.  Persons who are given this
authorization shall not be compelled in any civil, criminal,
administrative, legislative or other proceeding to identify the individuals
who are the subjects of research for which the authorization was granted,
except to the extent necessary to permit the Department to
determine whether the research is being conducted in accordance with the
authorization.

(c) The Department may authorize the possession and dispensing of
controlled substances by persons engaged in research, upon such terms and
conditions as may be consistent with the public health and safety.  The
Department may also approve research and treatment
programs involving the administration of Methadone.  The use of Methadone,
or any similar controlled substance by any person is prohibited in this
State except as approved and authorized by the Department
in accordance with its rules and regulations.  To the extent of the
applicable authorization, persons are exempt from prosecution in this State
for possession, manufacture or delivery of controlled substances.

(d) Practitioners registered under Federal law to conduct research with
Schedule I substances may conduct research with Schedule I substances within
this State upon furnishing evidence of that Federal registration and notification
of the scope and purpose of such research to the Department.

(Source: P.A. 96-328, eff. 8-11-09.)