By Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner surprised many people this week when he issued licenses to 70 medical marijuana businesses before they would have to undergo criminal background checks as required by state law, The Associated Press reports.
Rauner said he began issuing the licenses because patients shouldn’t have to wait any longer following the mishandling of the licensing process under former Gov. Pat Quinn.
Once the FBI authorizes the use of its criminal history checks, Rauner said the businesses that have been issued licenses would still be subjected to the background checks.
Illinois’ medical marijuana law excludes anyone with a violent crime or drug felony.
