Medical Marijuana Sales Began in Illinois This Week

Regulated medical marijuana sales began Monday in Illinois with patients flocking to state-licensed retail shops in five cities.

Of 23 states with medical marijuana programs, Illinois has one of the most restrictive, requiring patients to undergo fingerprint-based background checks, limiting qualifying health conditions, mandating testing for pesticides and banning home-grown pot.

All the moving pieces and a change in governors delayed the launch. The pilot program expires in 2017.

Among the first buyers Monday was Maggie Chatterton, a…