BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota has begun issuing medical marijuana cards to patients and caregivers, after nearly two years of work implementing a distribution system for the drug approved by voters in November 2016.

State Medical Marijuana Director Jason Wahl says it could become available in eastern North Dakota within a few weeks, with dispensaries operating statewide by early fall.

The Health Department has been working on the system since lawmakers crafted a law in 2017 allowing the use of medical marijuana for 17 medical conditions, along with terminal illnesses.

The state this week issued 70 cards, mostly for patients. Some went to designated caregivers, which are people who help patients, such as a family friend.

The state estimates that as many as 4,000 North Dakotans eventually will legally be using the drug.