Illinois’ medical marijuana program reached an important milestone Monday with the announcement that at least one of the authorized companies has started growing plants.

 

Officials at Ataraxia in southeastern Illinois said the facility received state authorization July 10 and has started cultivating the genetic strains that will be the basis of their products.

 

“We’ll have a range of products available in October,” Ataraxia CEO George Archos said.

 

The company plans to produce oils, edibles and creams in addition to marijuana for smoking and vaporizing.

 

When Ataraxia reaches full-scale production, it will grow cannabis year-round at its 52,000-square-foot facility in the Edwards County city of Albion.