I thought might be best if a new thread was started beginning with the implementation of the new law, with all updates as they occur.
Let's start with the most recent, and something many of us have awaited; The timeline of implementation and acceptance of license applications.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
The Medical Marijuana Act has been signed by the Governor but it does not go into effect until January 1, 2014. The Department of Agriculture is charged with licensing and regulating the 22 cultivation centers allowed in the law. The Department has 120 days from the effective date (January 1) to write the rules and criteria that will apply to these facilities. At that time (approximately May 1, 2014) these rules will be filed with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for review and public comment. The JCAR review and approval process will then follow state law, including public comment and input, and typically will take 3 or 4 months. Realistically the Department will not be accepting applications for a cultivation center license until the fall of 2014. Further information on the legislation, HB1, including the full text can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website (ilga.gov). Also at this site is a link to the Joint committee on Administrative Rules which explains their role and procedures.
As new developments, statements, and guidelines are released, we can all add them here.
Let's start with the most recent, and something many of us have awaited; The timeline of implementation and acceptance of license applications.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT
The Medical Marijuana Act has been signed by the Governor but it does not go into effect until January 1, 2014. The Department of Agriculture is charged with licensing and regulating the 22 cultivation centers allowed in the law. The Department has 120 days from the effective date (January 1) to write the rules and criteria that will apply to these facilities. At that time (approximately May 1, 2014) these rules will be filed with the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) for review and public comment. The JCAR review and approval process will then follow state law, including public comment and input, and typically will take 3 or 4 months. Realistically the Department will not be accepting applications for a cultivation center license until the fall of 2014. Further information on the legislation, HB1, including the full text can be found on the Illinois General Assembly website (ilga.gov). Also at this site is a link to the Joint committee on Administrative Rules which explains their role and procedures.
As new developments, statements, and guidelines are released, we can all add them here.