The bill is sponsored by Skokie Democratic Rep. Lou Lang. He sponsored the original legislation establishing the pilot program which is scheduled for automatic repeal on Jan. 1, 2018. Lang's bill would extend the program four years from when the first dispensary begins officially operating.
Businesses aren't yet selling the drug and aren't expected to begin sales until later this year. Meanwhile, 2,000 approved medical cannabis patients have paid to register for the program.
The bill heads to the Senate next. Rauner says he wants the medical marijuana program to be thoroughly reviewed before deciding whether to extend it.
