Illinois agencies implementing the state's new medical marijuana law have created a website to provide information — and a warning.

The move comes a few months after Gov. Pat Quinn signed medical marijuana legislation into law, making Illinois the 20th state and one of the biggest yet to legalize pot for patients under certain conditions.

Illinois' legislation created a four-year pilot program allowing the creation of 22 cannabis cultivation centers and 60 dispensaries across the state.

"Members of the public should be aware that full implementation of MCPP (Medical Marijuana Pilot Program) will take time," the website says.

"The state of Illinois is warning that it will not be legal for anyone to grow, offer to provide, or to possess, medical cannabis until licenses have been issued and the program is up and running. If you receive a solicitation, we recommend you report it to the hotline for the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division: 1-800-243-0618, or 1-877-844-5461 (TTY)."

Drug control experts have cautioned that the legalization of medical marijuana in Illinois could create some unintended consequences and potential liabilities for firms in the state, despite protections in the bill for employers.

Illinois is one of the most populated states to legalize medical marijuana. Chicago's first medical marijuana clinic opened in Wicker Park in August shortly after Mr. Quinn signed the legislation.