Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner surprised local medical marijuana advocates earlier this month by announcing the recipients of Illinois’ MMJ cultivation and distribution licenses.
Rauner’s announcement comes as a relief following former Governor Pat Quinn’s failure to move the program forward. Officials from Gov. Quinn’s administration previously had compiled a list of recommended businesses to receive the widely-coveted MMJ licenses, but no further action was taken. This left patients and hopeful industry professionals alike worrying that Gov. Rauner would entertain continued, unnecessary delays.
Gov. Rauner, however, recently awarded 18 licenses for medical marijuana cultivation facilities and 52 licenses for the legal sale and distribution of MMJ products. Some license recipients are claiming that medicine will be available on store shelves by this summer.
Qualifying patients must pay a $100 annual fee to partake in the program.
“The fact that Gov. Rauner didn’t sit on it forever, it shows class,” said MMJ patient, Army veteran, and MMJ legalization advocate Jim Champion.
Sources:
http://abc7chicago.com/health/1000-illinois-medical-marijuana-patients-approved/504049/
Photo Credit: Leslie J. Clary