CHICAGO (AP) — A new group has formed to push for policies in Springfield favorable to the medical marijuana industry with a well-connected former Illinois Department of Agriculture employee as its top lobbyist.

Medical Cannabis Alliance of Illinois launched this week with Bresha Brewer as executive director. The group seems destined to play an influential role in Springfield as lawmakers determine whether medical marijuana is in Illinois to stay — or whether the pilot program will expire after 2017.

The group represents 39 companies. That’s the bulk of the businesses that hold state permits to grow and sell marijuana. One of Brewer’s most urgent objectives will be extending the program’s end date.

Brewer has worked for several state agencies as a legislative liaison, most recently for the agriculture department, which regulates marijuana growers.

 

 

 

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