Medical cannabis cultivators and dispensaries in Illinois have formed a new professional coalition to present a unified voice for the state’s MMJ industry, which has faced numerous delays and setbacks.
The Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois – comprised of 56 companies that have won licenses from the state – will also serve as a general resource for those in the cannabis business, according to a release by the group.
Several companies are already engaging in such efforts in an attempt to bolster both the patient count and the number of physicians willing to write recommendations for MMJ.
Medical marijuana could be available to Illinois patients as soon as September, since the law requires production to begin six months after permits are issued. The first permits were handed out in March.
Cultivators are preparing to grow cannabis and are seeking final approvals to begin operations. Many are likely still waiting for local approvals even though they’ve won business licenses from the state.
