A small but growing number of patients have gotten medical marijuana since New York recently launched one of the strictest programs in the country.

The state Health Department says over 165 patients have now qualified. The figure has more than doubled in a week. More than 225 doctors have now taken state-required training to recommend the drug, up from about 150 last week.

As of Saturday, operators say all dispensaries that opened around the state Jan. 7 have seen patients, sometimes more than anticipated.

Still, some would-be patients say they're unable to get access to any doctors prepared to recommend the drug.

Twenty-three states allow medical pot. New York is one of few that require doctor training, among other uncommon provisions.

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