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If you’re a Illinois resident suffering from a debilitating medical condition, you may be eligible to receive a medical cannabis registration card.
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Overview
The first step to getting medical cannabis in Illinois is to obtain a written certification from a certified medical cannabis physician. The certification must state that the patient has a qualifying condition that would benefit from the use of medical cannabis. Once you have obtained your certification, you will need to register with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Once you have been approved by the IDPH, you will be issued a Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Card. This card will allow you to purchase medical cannabis from any registered dispensing organization in Illinois.
What You Need to Know
In Illinois, if you want to get medical cannabis, you need to have a qualifying condition that’s on the list of what the state considers treatable with cannabis. You must also get a certification from a licensed physician. The state will then issue you a medical cannabis card, which you’ll need to present at a licensed dispensary to get your medicine.
Qualifying Conditions
In order to be eligible for medical cannabis in Illinois, a person must have at least one of the following qualifying conditions:
-Cancer
-Glaucoma
-HIV/AIDS
-Crohn’s disease
-Muscular dystrophy
-Spinal cord damage causing spasticity
-Tourette syndrome
-Cachexia/wasting syndrome
-Seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy
-Severe pain that has not responded to previously prescribed medication or surgical measures for more than three months or for which other treatment options produced serious side effects
-Intractable nausea
-Persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis.
Recommended Treatment
If you are seeking medical cannabis as a treatment, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor first. Missouri does not have a medical cannabis program, but Illinois does. You will need to obtain a medical cannabis card from the Illinois Department of Public Health in order to legally purchase and consume medical cannabis in the state. The process for obtaining a card is as follows:
1. You must be an Illinois resident with a valid ID.
2. You must have a qualifying condition that can be treated with medical cannabis, such as cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, or Crohn’s disease.
3. You must obtain a written certification from a licensed physician certifying that you have a qualifying condition and recommending treatment with medical cannabis.
4. You must submit an application to the Illinois Department of Public Health along with the physician certification and ID.
5. If approved, you will receive your medical cannabis card in the mail. Once you have your card, you can visit any of the state-licensed dispensaries to purchase medical cannabis products.
How to Get a Medical Cannabis Card in Illinois
In order to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois, you must first get a written recommendation from a licensed physician. Once you have that, you will need to fill out an application with the Illinois Department of Public Health. You will also need to pay a fee. If you are approved, you will be issued a medical cannabis card.
Application Process
In order to get your medical cannabis card in Illinois, you must first submit an application to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There is a non-refundable $100 application fee, and you must provide proof that you are a resident of Illinois. You will also need to have a current, valid photo ID. You can submit your application online or by mail.
If you are submitting your application by mail, you must include a notarized statement from your physician indicating that you have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition and that you would benefit from the use of medical cannabis. You will also need to include proof of residency, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the $100 application fee.
Your completed application and all required supporting documents can be mailed to:
Division of Medical Cannabis
535 W. Jefferson St., 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
Fees
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will begin issuing new medical cannabis patient and caregiver registrations on August 1, 2018. The IDPH will issue annual medical cannabis registrations. Fees associated with the medical cannabis program are as follows:
$100 – new patient application fee
$50 – patient renewal application fee
$25 – reduced fee for veterans, seniors, and disabled persons
$200 – designated caregiver application fee
$150 – designated caregiver renewal application fee
Purchasing and Using Medical Cannabis in Illinois
In order to get medical cannabis in Illinois, you must first get a medical cannabis card. The process to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois involves a few steps, but it is worth it if you are suffering from a qualifying condition. Once you have your medical cannabis card, you will be able to purchase medical cannabis at a dispensary.
Where to Buy
In order to ensure that only qualified patients are able to purchase medical cannabis, the state of Illinois has implemented a registration system. Patients must first obtain a medical cannabis card from the Illinois Department of Health in order to participate in the program. Once registered, patients (or their designated caregivers) may purchase medical cannabis from one of the state-licensed dispensaries.
A list of all licensed dispensaries in Illinois can be found on the Department of Health’s website. It is important to note that not all dispensaries may be able to serve all patients, as each dispensary is limited to serving a specific number of patients based on its location.
When visiting a dispensary for the first time, patients will be required to present their medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo ID. Dispensaries may also require patients to provide their social security number for verification purposes. Once inside, patients will be able to browse the available products and speak with staff members about which product may be right for them.
Possession Limits
Possession
In Illinois, a patient is allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis during a 14-day period. However, a patient whose registry identification card indicates that the patient’s designated caregiver is a federally registered medical cannabis dispensary may possess up to: (a) 5 ounces of usable cannabis during a 14-day period, if the dispensary from which the patient purchases medical cannabis is not authorized to dispense more than 5 ounces of usable cannabis during a 14-day period to any one registered qualifying patient; or (b) the amount ofusable cannabis that does not exceed the equivalent of 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis during a14-day period, if the dispensary is authorized to dispense more than 5 ounces of usable cannabis duringa 14-day period to any one registered qualifying patient. Licensed medical cannabis dispensaries must track amounts dispensed to each registered qualifying patient and designated caregiver in an electronic verification system as required by rule.
Caregivers
A designated caregiver must be at least 21 years old and may not have been convicted of an offense that would make him or her ineligible for a registration card. A designated caregiver may assist no more than one qualified patient at any one time unless he or she receives written certification from the qualified patient’s physician indicating that the qualified patient requires assistance from more than one designated caregiver. A designated caregiver must possess only those amounts of medical cannabis authorized by his or her qualified patients’registry identification cards, and he or she may not consume medical cannabis obtained for his or her qualifiedpatients.
Illinois Medical Cannabis FAQ
In order to get medical cannabis in Illinois, you must have a qualifying condition that has been approved by the state. You will also need to get a medical cannabis card from a licensed dispensary. Once you have these things, you can purchase and consume medical cannabis.
Is medical cannabis legal in Illinois?
Yes, medical cannabis is legal in Illinois. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act was signed into law on August 1, 2013 by Governor Pat Quinn. The law creates a four-year pilot program that will expire on July 1, 2018.
How long does it take to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois?
The time it takes to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois depends on a few factors. The first is whether you are a new patient or an existing patient. If you are a new patient, you will need to obtain a medical cannabis certification from a licensed physician. This can take some time, as you will need to schedule an appointment, gather the necessary medical records, and meet with the physician.
Once you have obtained your certification, you can then register with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The registration process is relatively simple and can be completed online. Once your registration is complete, you will be issued a medical cannabis card. The entire process from start to finish can take several weeks.
If you are an existing medical cannabis patient in another state, you may be able to transfer your certification to Illinois. Additionally, if you are a veteran or on active duty military status, you may be eligible for expedited processing of your application. For more information on how to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois, please visit the IDPH website.
Can I grow my own medical cannabis in Illinois?
No. The Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act does not allow patients or caregivers to grow their own medical cannabis. All medical cannabis must be grown, processed, and dispensed by registered medical cannabis cultivation centers and dispensaries.
