Illinois Officials Begin Drafting Medical Marijuana Rules

Illinois officials from at least four state agencies will be meeting to draft rules that will govern the state’s medical marijuana distribution process.

The final version of the rules are expected to be sent to lawmakers in the spring of 2014.

Illinois became the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana in August 2013. The medical marijuana law will allow for a four-year pilot program for state-regulated dispensaries and 22 cultivation centers.

Patients with qualifying medical conditions, or illnesses, will be allowed to get marijuana for medical purposes. Each patient must have established a relationship with a medical doctor(s) and will be allowed up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks.