SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There’s been a boost in Illinois’ medical cannabis industry.
Even though recreational marijuana is now legal in Illinois, the number of patients signing up for medical cannabis cards grew by 30 percent in the last year.
The Illinois Department of Public Health released its annual report which said there are now more than 161,000 medical marijuana patients across the state.
The most common reasons people sign up for a medical marijuana card is chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, followed by migraines and osteoarthritis.
Patients also said their main reason for getting a medical card, which can cost around $200 with a doctor’s approval, is to avoid high taxes on recreational marijuana, which can cost up to 30 percent more.
And while most patients were initially older, the largest group of users is now among those between ages 31 and 40.
The most recent data from the Medical Cannabis Patient Program said retail sales of medical cannabis for June was more than $31.7 million.
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