The first eight medical marijuana dispensaries in Illinois received a green light from state officials on Monday to open their doors and begin serving pre-registered patients. The dispensaries are located in Marion, Mundelein, Canton, Quincy, Addison, North Aurora, Schaumburg and Ottawa.
Director of the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program Joseph Wright said that about a dozen dispensaries are expected to have opened by the end of November, and up to 25 could be open by the year’s end.
A total of 60 dispensaries statewide are allowed under the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program, which was first approved in 2013 and is set to expire in 2017. The program’s development faced many political hurdles during its first several years, resulting in significant delays for the rolling out of the program.
Patients must have a state-issued medical marijuana ID and a designated dispensary with the Illinois Department of Health before they can purchase their medicine.
Sources:
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2015/49410/illinois-medical-marijuana-sales-finally-begin-today/
http://abc7chicago.com/news/illinois-medical-marijuana-sales-start-monday/1071791/
Photo Credit: Dank Depot