Illinois Has Issues: Gov Candidates Talk Marijuana

Lead grower Dave Wilson cares for marijuana plants at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2015.
Lead grower Dave Wilson cares for marijuana plants at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2015. AP Photo/Seth Perlman
Lead grower Dave Wilson cares for marijuana plants at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2015.
Lead grower Dave Wilson cares for marijuana plants at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion, Illinois on Sept. 15, 2015. AP Photo/Seth Perlman

Illinois Has Issues: Gov Candidates Talk Marijuana

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Let’s face it. Illinois has issues. And how our next governor addresses them will help determine whether those issues get solved. Leading up to Illinois primary on March 20, Morning Shift has done in-depth interviews with the men and women who want to replace Gov. Bruce Rauner. Now, we’re breaking those interviews down for you around four key issues: Mike Madigan, taxes, gun violence and marijuana. In a series of conversations this week, we’ll bring context and analysis to the candidates’ soundbites on those issues to give you a clear picture of how the Democrats and Republican candidates for governor will act of all four if and when they become the state’s chief executive.

Today, we’ll discuss where the candidates stand on legalizing recreational marijuana in the state and expanding Illinois’ pilot medical marijuana program. Morning Shift talks to Associated Press reporter Sarah Zimmerman, whose focus is on Illinois government and the primaries.

GUEST:

Sarah Zimmerman, Associated Press reporter