Illinois medical marijuana sales in first month top $800,000

Marijuana plants are seen nearly ready for harvest at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion. Associated Press File Photo

Illinois officials say the state's first medical marijuana patients have purchased nearly $801,000 worth of cannabis during the program's first month.

That works out to 54,373 grams sold to 1,713 unique customers.

There are now 16 licensed dispensaries operating in Illinois, including in Mundelein, Addison, North Aurora, Schaumburg, Mount Prospect and Buffalo Grove, according to state records.

Program director Joseph Wright announced the figures Wednesday. The numbers indicate Illinois has collected roughly $56,550 in taxes from wholesale sales of medical marijuana during the month. Marijuana wholesalers pay a 7 percent tax to the state.

Wright says he expects that number to rise as more dispensaries open and more of the 3,600 licensed patients start buying product.

Legal marijuana sales began Nov. 9 in Illinois.

The first month's dispensary sales figures indicate that the retail price per gram on average was roughly $14 to $15.

The state's medical marijuana program is set to run for about two more years before Illinois' law allowing it runs out. Gov. Bruce Rauner this year vetoed legislation that would extend the test program, but lawmakers and the governor could negotiate a new plan.

Daily Herald Political Editor Mike Riopell contributed.