SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — More than 2,000 people have applied for ID cards allowing them to use medical marijuana since the application process began this week.

That’s more than expected.

Bob Morgan is project coordinator for the state’s Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. He said Friday that officials anticipated a few hundred patients and caregivers would begin registering in the first few days.

Authorities began accepting applications Tuesday from patients whose last names start with letters A through L. Others can apply starting Nov. 1.

Morgan calls the numbers “a promising sign that the program is on track to fulfill its key purpose — alleviating the pain and suffering for thousands of Illinoisans.”

Lawmakers adopted the medical marijuana law in 2013. Patients must have a written certification from a doctor and get a background check.

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