Marijuana is expected to be sold legally in Illinois for the first time in decades Monday to those who have qualified to be among the first patients in the state’s medical cannabis program.
A skunky aroma fills the room in which hundreds of lush marijuana plants grow, some nearly ready for harvest. Grower Ashley Thompson, a former high school agriculture teacher in this rural part of southeastern Illinois, takes the scent of weed home with her.
As more Illinoisans apply for and receive permission from the state to use marijuana as a medical necessity, Gov. Bruce Rauner put a stop to further expansion of the program for 11 conditions Sept. 10.