Nearly 4,000 sign up for medical marijuana registry in a week

The state has added nearly 4,000 patients to its medical marijuana registry in its first week, according to Gov. Tom Wolf's office.

Signing up for the registry is the first step patients need to complete in order to get a prescription for medical marijuana, which was legalized in Pennsylvania last year. Designated caregivers can also sign up for the registry for patients who need assistance; the state has had more than 200 register in the first week.

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"The response from patients and caregivers has been extremely positive," said Dr. Rachel Levine, physician general and acting health secretary for the Department of Health.

After registering online, patients still need to visit a doctor also registered with the program to get certified.

Only residents of Pennsylvania who suffer from a serious illness listed under the Medical Marijuana Law are allowed to receive prescriptions.

Cox Media Group