Marijuana is now legally sold in Connecticut at six dispensaries across the state.
The Dept of Consumer Protection reports that about 2,400 patients have qualified for the program to obtain medical marijuana.
Dr Andrew Salner, the head of the cancer center at Hartford Hospital, said he's certified about 12 patients so far.
"My patients, for the most part, have acquired marijuana to help alleviate symptoms from their cancer issue" Salner said.
But getting medical marijuana is not easy.
Fewer than 1 percent of doctors have registered with the DCP to certify patients. Those who have must certify that patients have at least one of 11 possible conditions including Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Once a patient is certified by a doctor, he or she must apply for a patient ID card through the DCP, and only then can he or she make an appointment to see a pharmacist at the dispensary.
While there are several hurdles to overcome, patients like James Dougherty, who has epilepsy, say it's worth it.
"Marijuana's been the only thing that helps. I've been on four different meds from the VA and nothing's been able to control my seizures," Dougherty said.
Connecticut's medical marijuana program allows qualified patients to get up to 2-and-a-half ounces of marijuana per month, which is half the amount available in Colorado and California.
