Medical marijuana sales have begun in Illinois with patients flocking to state-licensed retail shops in five cities.
Among the first buyers Monday was Maggie Chatterton, a 25-year-old homemaker in central Illinois. She drove 20 miles to the Salveo Health & Wellness dispensary in Canton where doors opened around 9:30 a.m.
She says $385 an ounce is a fair price for a drug that she hopes will help her manage pain from a spine condition. She's telling her 4-year-old son that marijuana is a natural medicine.
Five dispensaries were ready to sell marijuana Monday, with massive crowds seen for the opening day. The others in Addison, Marion, Mundelein and Quincy continued to scramble to obtain marijuana from licensed growers for the anticipated rush of consumers.
Among about 200 at the dispensary in Mundelein was Steve Bourgeois, who had been relying on cannabis oil out of state. Getting his card two days ago lifted a weight off his shoulders.
“It helped me to feel valid in what I'm doing and how I'm treating my cancer,” Bourgeois said.
Approximately 3,300 patients with Illinois-issued ID cards will be able to purchase medical cannabis. The state recognizes 39 conditions eligible for medical marijuana treatment.
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Illinois is among 23 states with medical marijuana programs. State officials expect that 25 dispensaries will be open to the public by the end of the year.
The eight licensed dispensaries are located in Marion, Mundelein, Canton, Quincy, Addison, North Aurora, Schaumburg and Ottawa.
