2,000 Illinois patients approved for medical marijuana

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- More patients have been approved for medical marijuana in Illinois, but the number of those applying for the right to buy pot is far lower than anticipated.

The Illinois Dept. of Public Health says fewer than 20,000 people have started the patient registration process.

In March, about 400 new patient applications were approved, bringing the number of total approvals to about 2,000 patients.

Those who qualify for medical marijuana pay an annual $100 fee and need a doctor's written certification.