Apparent marijuana permit winners want process to proceed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Owners of businesses on former Gov. Pat Quinn's short list for medical marijuana cultivation centers and dispensaries say the process was fair and should proceed.

Public documents show Quinn's staff was ready to grant at least a dozen licenses before leaving office but didn't.

Rauner says he will review that process. Such holdups have produced lawsuits in other states. Illinois cultivators want to avoid legal action.

Bradley Vallerius (vuh-LAYR'-ee-us) represents ICC Holdings, which was in line for up to two permits. He says Rauner should approve licenses for high scorers such as ICC.

Ben Kovler of GTI Holdings - another high scorer - says "the best applicants" should be OK'd to help patients and the economy.

Matthew Hortenstine (HOHR'-ten-styn) represents dispensary applicant HealthCentral. He says Rauner needs to "follow through."