Illinois releases ‘Top 10 Tips’ for medical marijuana patients

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Department of Public Health has created a “Top 10″ list of tips for people applying for medical marijuana cards.

Department spokeswoman Melaney Arnold says the list answers common questions about the multi-step process.

The first tip covers meeting with a doctor to discuss marijuana. Others explain submitting fingerprints, the $100 fee and the requirement for a passport-style photo. Tip Number 4: “Do not send in a selfie!”

The one-page, easy-to-read list has been sent to patient groups. It is also posted on the medical cannabis program’s website and the health department’s website.

About 18,400 people have started the patient registration process. Of those, about 2,500 have submitted at least part of the application. So far, just 1,600 patients have been approved for the program.