The state announced recently in a preliminary count that it has received more than 350 applications from those interested in growing or selling medical cannabis under the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.

Applicants had two weeks to submit applications to become licensed as one of 22 cultivation centers or one of 60 dispensaries across Illinois.

The preliminary number of applications submitted show 369 total applications through both the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

A breakdown of the number of applications received in each district is planned to be available late next week.

The state anticipates awarding licenses before the end of the year and medical cannabis being available to registered patients in spring 2015.

On Oct. 8, and at the beginning of each subsequent month, the Illinois Department of Public Health will update the number of patients who have started the application process to register for a medical cannabis identification card.

State law allows only one facility to be built in each of 22 Illinois State Police districts.

In September, the St. Clair County Zoning Board of Appeals approved a special use permit request from Nature’s Care of St. Louis to open a one-acre greenhouse and 20,000-square-foot processing facility to produce medicinal marijuana on farmland just outside of Marissa.

For more information about the Act, rules, application requirements, frequently asked questions and more, visit mcpp.illinois.gov.