In his hurry to get permits issued to medical marijuana businesses, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner overlooked a key step in the vetting process: conducting criminal background checks.

None of the companies awarded licenses have been through the requisite checks.

Federal background checks – which involve running the names of the founders and key executives through an FBI database – are required under state law for all companies receiving a license to operate a medical marijuana business in Illinois.

Davis Lawyer: Aquarius Cannabis

If you’re sitting here, reading this… you are already one step ahead in the right direction. You’ve invested your time and pinpointed the source that is rapidly becoming the voice of the legal cannabis industry, but you are already aware of this. This industry, this business opportunity, this boundless platform is the most invigorating of its time and is captivating not only our nation, but our world.

Tripp Keber: Dixie Elixirs & Edibles

He was a little irritated with us for limiting him to a one-word answer for a particular question on our list and that’s completely understandable because this entrepreneur has more than enough to say. He has novels of knowledge reeling from his lips every time he speaks. He’s one of those people you sit in front of and watch his mind race behind his eyes. Tripp Keber is the CEO of Dixie Elixirs and is on his way to make a very major impact and if you take the time to read his interview…. a very major impact on you.

What was the deciding factor for you to join this particular industry?

Bret Bogue: Apothecary Genetics

He’s setting out to bring Apothecary Genetics to the forefront as the leading brand for cannabis seed distribution and development. So, obviously we don’t have to prove further that Bret Bogue has no shortage of ambition. He’s extended their reach far past national boarders to other countries and are already growing to become a household name in the global cannabis market. Absolutely eye-opening, mind-expanding, and thought-provoking information in our interview with the mastermind of the seed from which our industry grows…

What was the deciding factor for you to join this particular industry?

EnviroTextiles is introducing antibacterial hemp fabrics into the children’s plush toy market thanks to a new partnership with a humanitarian teddy bear company, Bears for Humanity. The plush bears are intended for children in need, including many children living in isolated hospital environments.

EnviroTextiles founder Barbara Filippone has provided certified agricultural fibers for the apparel industry over the past 23 years. Now that she’s working with Bears for Humanity and its President Vijay Prathap, she’s launching a new healthcare market for her certified organic hemp textiles to supply various products including lab coats, privacy curtains, sheets, towels and patient gowns.

Research has suggested that cannabis may be a promising treatment option for a number of different physical and mental health conditions, from post-traumatic stress disorder to chronic pain. A study released this week suggests that depression can be added to that list.

Technology is beginning to affect every aspect of the cannabis marketplace, pushing it in unprecedented directions. As Tantalus Labs builds the first ground-up, legal, cannabis-tailored greenhouse in Canada, we can’t help notice others building ancillary services in the marketplace. As with most health innovation, the end result is a better patient experience. Some of these prospects are big bets on the future, and many others can be found in established industries, with the application to marijuana seemingly past due.

Hugh Hempel | TEDxUniversityofNevada

The country’s legal marijuana industry more than doubled in size in 2014, to $2.7 billion, and the commercial real estate world is starting to take notice. Reports on the industrial sector attribute extra-strong demand in places such as Denver to the growing, storage and distribution of the plants.