Illinois Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Open Monday

The wait for legal medical marijuana in Illinois is nearly over.

Sales are authorized to begin Monday at eight licensed dispensaries across the state. Approximately 3,300 patients with Illinois-issued ID cards will be able to purchase medical cannabis.

Some dispensary owners expect large crowds on opening day. Others continued to scramble over the weekend to obtain marijuana from licensed growers in time for the anticipated rush of consumers.

State officials expect that 25 dispensaries will be open to the public by the end of the year. Illinois is among 23 states with medical marijuana programs.

The eight licensed dispensaries are located in Marion, Mundelein, Canton, Quincy, Addison, North Aurora, Schaumburg and Ottawa.