One unanswered question about a new state law legalizing medical marijuana is just how many Illinoisans will actually ask for permission to use it.

The extent of the demand will start to become clearer starting Tuesday as agencies begin taking applications from patients or their registered caregivers.

For now, only those with last names beginning with letters "A'' through "L'' can apply. Other patients must wait two more months to apply.

Reports indicate some estimates were that as many as 100,000 Illinoisans could qualify.

But Department of Public Health spokeswoman Sheila Porter says it's hard to know how many applications will come in. She says the agency is expecting the number to run into the thousands over the next four months.