Rauner says he needs to "assess" medical marijuana program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner says he wants to better understand how the state's medical marijuana program is being run.

Rauner's comment on Tuesday came a day after his predecessor left office without awarding licenses to medical marijuana cultivation centers.

Hundreds of businesses were awaiting a decision after submitting applications. Former Gov. Pat Quinn promised to issue the licenses by the end of last year. But he told The Associated Press last week that state agencies would only decide after taking "as much time as necessary."

The handoff to Rauner could lead to further delays. The Republican has criticized the existing selection process as secretive and subject to cronyism.

Rauner says he wants to enforce the laws of the state and make sure the program is being managed and run properly.