A Jan. 13 press conference highlighted what medical marijuana proponents say could be a roadblock in the implementation of the state’s medical cannabis pilot program. Proponents say Quinn’s failure to act may have doomed the fledgling program, which was advanced as a four-year pilot program.
In fall of 2014, the state received hundreds of applications from those seeking licenses to grow and sell medical marijuana. While it was widely speculated that former Governor Quinn would issue the licenses for dispensaries and cultivation centers prior to January 1, Quinn left office without acting on the licenses.
Advocates for the medical marijuana program said they intend to meet with Governor Rauner and his administration to discuss the future of the program, which a Rauner spokesman said is “under review.” However, Rauner previously stated he most likely would have vetoed the medical marijuana bill.
To date it has been reported that the state has accepted nearly $5 million in fees for applications from those hoping to obtain a license to grow or sell medical marijuana through the program.