Illinois’ new governor touts legal marijuana, but will he remove roadblocks to expand medical pot?

The previous governor of Illinois was apprehensive to expand on the state's medical marijuana program by blocking the additions of potential qualifying condtions. The newly elected governor is pro-marijuana and intends to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois, which leaves advocates curious when he will begin removing the road blocks that have been holding back the medical marijuana program. There are at least 8 peding lawsuits currently stopping new qualifying conditions from being added that would both provide relief for tens of thousands of potential new patients as well as increase the tax revenue for the state by 4 or 5 times. If the new governor and attorney general decided to drop these appeals the court orders for adding the qualifying conditions would take place within 30 days.

“J.B. is committed to working with lawmakers to ensure medical cannabis regulations meet the medical needs of Illinoisans,” she said, “and looks forward to working with the General Assembly to continue making the program accessible to those who need it.”