Across the country, states desperate to prevent opioid addiction are increasingly looking to medical cannabis as a solution. Lawmakers in several states, including New York, Indiana, Georgia and Tennessee, have taken action to initiate or expand their medical marijuana programs to try and address the opioid crisis. Illinois is trying to do the same.

A new task force has been formed to combat opioid abuse in the state. Earlier this month representatives of state agencies and advocates came together to announce the State of Illinois Opioid Action Plan.