The Illinois Department of Public Health is rolling out a new program for patients who are prescribed opioids to try medical marijuana.

Former Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the Alternative Opioids Act into law in August in response to the ongoing opioid crisis. The pilot program will begin Jan. 31 and will allow patients with a doctor’s note to apply for a 90-day medical card.

Ally Marotti of the Chicago Tribune joins the Morning Shift to talk about the program and how local dispensaries are preparing for an increased demand driven by the opioid program.

GUEST: Ally Marotti, Chicago Tribune business reporter

LEARN MORE: Prescribed opioids but want to try medical marijuana instead? A new Illinois program will let you. Here’s how. (Chicago Tribune 1/14/19)

Changes to medical pot program aim to eliminate months-long wait period (Chicago Sun-Times 1/13/19)

Changes to IL law allowing medical cannabis as opioid alternative set to go into effect (Marijuana Business Daily 12/31/18)