Medical marijuana goes on sale in Illinois

Buds. (David McNew/Getty)

Medical marijuana dispensaries are open for business in Illinois.

Sales began on Monday at eight dispensaries across the "Prairie State." Officials say that 3,300 qualifying patients will be able to purchase medical cannabis.

“We are excited, we are nervous, it's a lot of mixed emotions,” EarthMed co-owner Gus Koukoutsakis told Fox 32. “We are really excited to be able to deliver this medicine to so many people that are in need.”

Joseph Wright, Director of Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program, expects 12 to 15 dispensaries to be registered by the end of the November and 20 to 25 dispensaries registered by year's end.

So far, the state licensed dispensaries are located in Addison, Canton, Marion, Mundelein, North Aurora, Quincy, Schaumburg and Ottawa.