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CHICAGO (AP) — The number of Illinois patients getting state approval to use medical marijuana jumped a bit higher during November, the first month of legal sales of the drug.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that 3,600 patients have now been approved for the pilot program, including 22 children. That's 300 more than one month ago, a sizeable increase compared to previous months.
The first licensed dispensaries started selling marijuana on Nov. 9, sparking new interest among potential patients.
The health department said Wednesday that about 29,300 people have started the patient registration process. Of those, almost 4,600 have submitted a complete application.
Qualifying patients pay an annual fee of $100 for a marijuana card and need a doctor's written certification.
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Online: Medical Cannabis Pilot Program: http://mcpp.illinois.gov
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