Branstad open to working with Illinois on medical marijuana

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says he's open to establishing a system that would allow residents to travel to neighboring Illinois to access some form of medical marijuana.

Illinois lawmakers passed legislation last year for a pilot program that allows companies to manufacture and distribute medical marijuana in the state. Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, who took office in January, recently awarded licenses to businesses.

Branstad on Monday mentioned a future dispensary in Rock Island in the Quad Cities that could help Iowa residents. Branstad's spokesman says the governor needs to discuss potential changes with Rauner.

Branstad signed a law last year that allows the use of oil derived from marijuana to treat chronic epilepsy. Critics say the legislation didn't address other legal hurdles in bringing the oil into Iowa.