Illinois Lawmakers Approve Extending Medical Marijuana Program

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Lawmakers in the Illinois Senate gave final approval Thursday to a bill that will extend the state’s medical marijuana pilot program beyond 2017.

The Senate voted 33-16 Thursday to approve House Bill 3299, a bill that has already passed in the House.  The bill, along with another bill passed Thursday to decriminalize marijuana possession in the state, now will head to Republican Governor Bruce Rauner for his signature.

It is unclear if Gov. Rauner will sign the bill, having previously indicated that the program…