Illinois Has No Explanation For Delay In Marijuana Permits
In this Nov. 5, 2014 file photo, a sample of medical marijuana is displayed at Shango Premium in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)
Gov. Pat Quinn's administration concedes it missed its end-of-the-year target for deciding which businesses will receive permits to begin the state's medical marijuana program.
The lag will force cultivation center owners to break ground for new construction during the coldest winter months.
The delay pushes back the harvest of the first cannabis crop. Patients will have to wait, perhaps until summer, before they can legally use the drug.
Illinois Department of Public Health spokeswoman Melaney Arnold says the state is conducting "a comprehensive review'' of applications to ensure only the most qualified are approved.
She says an announcement will come when the review is finished.
Democratic state Rep. Lou Lang, who sponsored the state's medical marijuana legislation, predicts permits will be awarded before Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner's inauguration Jan. 12.
Links
- State Works Through Medical Marijuana Applications
- Durbin: Feds Will Have To Address Medical Marijuana Law
- Data Shows Competition To Start Up Medical Marijuana Facilities
- Illinois Sending Approvals To Marijuana Patients
- Illinois Medical Marijuana Applications Due Monday
- Medical Marijuana ID Card Applications Top 2,000
- Potential Marijuana Dispensary Changing Urbana Location
- Decatur Sets Zoning Rules For Medical Marijuana
- Bill Allowing Medical Marijuana for Children Passes Illinois House
- Public Hearings Set On Medical Marijuana Rules
- State Legislation Hints At Marijuana Legalization
- Public Support For Marijuana Legalization Hits Record High
- Gov. Pat Quinn Signs Bill Legalizing Medical Marijuana
- Medical Marijuana Raises Questions For Businesses
- Medical Marijuana Bill Headed to Illinois Governor’s Desk