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Top Scorers for Medical Marijuana Licenses in Illinois

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Documents obtained by the Associated Press include a list of top-scoring applicants for marijuana cultivation licenses, sorted by state police district.

The list was prepared by the administration of Democrat Pat Quinn, whose term as governor expired a couple weeks ago.

The AP also obtained a spread sheet showing the Quinn administration’s evaluation and scoring of businesses that applied for medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Illinois, sorted by special districts established for dispensary licenses.

The Associated Press found Quinn's staff was ready to grant at least a dozen licenses before leaving office but didn't. 

New Governor Bruce Rauner said he will review that process.

Such holdups have produced lawsuits in other states. Illinois cultivators want to avoid legal action.

Bradley Vallerius, who represents ICC Holdings, which was in line for up to two permits, said Rauner should approve licenses for high scorers such as ICC.

Ben Kovler of GTI Holdings — another high scorer — said "the best applicants" should be approved to help patients and the economy.

Matthew Hortenstine, who represents dispensary applicant HealthCentral, said  Rauner needs to "follow through."

Under the state’s pilot project, one cultivation license is to be issued per state police district.  A particular dispensary district could be issued more than one license for businesses to sell medical marijuana.