There's a surge in the number of Illinoisans who have the go ahead to use medical marijuana.

Illinois Public Health officials say the number of patients has climbed from roughly 1,000 to 1,600 in the past month. The program's coordinator said this past summer he hoped to reach tens of thousands in the program's first year.

Qualifying patients pay an annual fee of $100 for a marijuana card and need a doctor's written certification.