The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Friday that they have received about 10 times more applications for medical cannabis identification cards than expected.

marijuana

More than 2,000 people have started the application process since it began Tuesday. A few hundred were expected, Bob Morgan, Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Project Coordinator said.

“This is a promising sign that the Program is on track to fulfill its key purpose—alleviating the pain and suffering for thousands of Illinoisans,” Morgan said in a released statement.

The process is currently open to qualifying patients whose last name begins with the letters A through L. Patients whose last names begin with letters M through Z may submit an application from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.  Starting Jan. 1, patients and caregivers will be able to submit applications at any time.  Applications may be submitted electronically at www.medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov, or through the mail to:

Illinois Department of Public Health

Division of Medical Cannabis

535 W. Jefferson Street

Springfield, IL  62761-0001

More information about the patient application process can be found online at www.mcpp.illinois.gov in the Frequently Asked Questions section.  For any questions regarding patient and caregiver registration, contact the DPH Division of Medical Cannabis at (855) 636-3688 or DPH.MedicalCannabis@illinois.gov.