More than 350 applications were submitted to the state the for marijuana cultivation center and dispensary licenses.
State officials say they've received 158 applications for marijuana cultivation centers and 211 applications for dispensaries. The Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program gave businesses two weeks to submit the applications.
The applicants are competing to receive licensure for one of the 22 cultivation centers or the 60 dispensaries that are to be equally distributed throughout the state.
Fees submitted with the applications reportedly topped $5 million. The fees are nonrefundable. The Illinois law that set up the state's first medical marijuana program requires the money collected to be used to implement, administer and enforce the program. The law says any funds leftover must be used for crime prevention programs.
The state is planning to release the number of applications received in each district later next week. Licenses are expected to be awarded by the end of the year.
Patients interested in obtaining medical marijuana must apply for and receive an identification card. The Illinois Department of Public Health begins monthly reporting on the number of patients making application on October 8th.
For the Act, rules, and frequent asked questions: The Illinois Compassionate Use if Medical Cannabis Pilot Program