Illinois OKs 2,800 marijuana patients, including 10 children

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois approved about 200 new patient applications for medical marijuana during July, including 10 children.

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that 2,800 patients now have approval to use marijuana. It's the first time the department announced how many are younger than 18.

Growers say they'll have marijuana in stores later this year.

Parents of children with severe epilepsy pushed for the expansion of medical marijuana to minors in Illinois. Children are able use the drug for any of the nearly 40 health conditions already authorized for adults, with state approval and a written certification from two doctors. Adult patients need one doctor's consent.

The department says about 23,700 people have started applications. Of those, about 3,500 have submitted complete paperwork, about 300 more than last month.