Medical marijuana applications start Tuesday

SPRINGFIELD | The Illinois Department of Public Health is gearing up for what could be a busy day Tuesday when the first applications for medical marijuana begin rolling in.

Although supporters of the state’s new legalized medical marijuana law say as many as 100,000 Illinoisans may have illnesses that qualify them for the drug, it is unknown how many people will apply.

But, the agency is preparing for a wave of interest, said spokeswoman Sheila Porter.

“While it is difficult to determine precisely how many people will apply; we are expecting thousands of patients in the next four months,” Porter said in an email. “This will build over time as more physicians sign the required paperwork for patients.”

To help keep the numbers from overwhelming the agency, only patients and caregivers with a last name beginning with “A” through “L” will be able to submit online and paper applications beginning Tuesday. Patients with last names beginning with “M” through “Z” must wait to submit their applications until Nov. 1.

Porter also said the state agencies involved in the regulation of medical marijuana — including Public Health, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — are anticipating hiring dozens of additional employees in order to process applications and monitor the program.

The new law, approved by lawmakers in 2013, requires that the state respond within 30 days of receiving a completed application.

Under the plan, patients will pay $100 a year for the application fee. Military veterans or patients on Social Security Disability Income will pay $50 for an application.

Patients also have to have a fingerprint-based background check and a prescription from their doctor.

State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, who sponsored the law legalizing the medical marijuana pilot program, said he believes state regulators have done a good job putting the rules in place.

But, he said, “If I was a patient I’d be a little antsy that this is taking so long.”

While the application process for patients begins Tuesday, it will be another week before marijuana dispensaries and growing centers will be able to submit their applications.

Because it will take time to choose the companies, build the facilities and grow the pot, officials say marijuana for patients likely will not be available until next year.

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Medical marijuana applications start Tuesday