Illinois Medical Pot Supporters Fear Monopoly Efforts

Two businessmen accused of trying to block legalization in order to arrange control over market

Medical marijuana supporters in Illinois are accusing two businessmen of blocking legalization as they maneuver to control the future market for the drug, reported My Fox Chicago.

Jim Merlo — one of the two men who created the company Medponics, which claims its technology could "track, trace and tax" medical marijuana — claims he hired lobbyists to speak to the state's General Assembly to ensure medical marijuana is grown safely.

Local lawyer Eric Berlin, who uses marijuana for pain related to his Crohn's disease, told a news outlet, "I understand they're asking for essentially a monopoly over the grow," which he said leads to higher prices and fewer choices.