The state’s medical marijuana czar is staying put as the new governor issues pink slips to some state employees.
Bob Morgan, a lawyer and the coordinator of the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, is “staying aboard for now,” said Gov. Bruce Rauner’s spokesman, Lance Trover.
The news was welcomed by some worried that Morgan would be immediately fired by the Republican Rauner, as he cleans house. The program has already suffered setbacks and delays because former Gov. Pat Quinn did not issue the business licenses needed to get the program going.
“It’s an excellent choice by Gov. Rauner,” said Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), who sponsored the medical marijuana legislation. “I’m proud that he did that.”
Morgan spent 2014 working to get administrative rules in place, guiding the three state agencies that administer the program and working to award medical marijuana growing and selling licenses.
“He understands the nuances and he has been a part of the system all along,” said Chris Lindsey, legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project.
Morgan, Lindsey said, ”is a real champion when it comes to protecting this program and looking out for the best interest of patients.”
Trover wouldn’t say how long Morgan will remain on the job.
Morgan declined to comment.
The program could remain in limbo as Rauner and his staff get up to speed. That means more delays for an eagerly awaited program set to expire at the end of 2017.
Rauner said Tuesday his staff needs to “get immersed in the process and learn exactly the status.”
“How’s it been managed?” Rauner said. “How’s it been run? And look at whether we need to change anything that’s occurred.”
Contributing: Jon Seidel
