Are you interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card in Illinois? If so, you’re in the right place! In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about navigating the medical marijuana program in the Land of Lincoln.
From understanding the program to qualifying for a card and completing the application process, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started!
When it comes to understanding the medical marijuana program in Illinois, there are a few key aspects to consider. Firstly, patients must have a qualifying medical condition to be eligible for the program. These conditions include but are not limited to:
In Illinois, medical marijuana has been legal since 2013, when the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act was signed into law.
The program allows qualified patients to obtain a medical marijuana card, which grants them access to state-licensed dispensaries and legal protection for the possession and use of cannabis for medical purposes.
Although Illinois legalized cannabis in 2020 for adults 21+, there are significant advantages to becoming a medical patient. Today, the State of Illinois offers several different types of applications, including:
Here is a breakdown of all the fees you will incur obtaining your cannabis card.
| APPLICATION TYPE | 1YR TERM | 2YR TERM | 3YR TERM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Patient Application Fee | $50.00 | $100.00 | $125.00 |
| Reduced Fee Patient Application | $25.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| Minor Patient Application Fee | $50.00 | $100.00 | $125.00 |
| Life-long Renewal Patient Application Fee | N/A | N/A | $50.00 |
| Designated Caregiver Fee | $25.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| Regular Patient Application Fee with One CG | $75.00 | $150.00 | $200.00 |
| Regular Patient Application Fee with Two CG’s | $100.00 | $200.00 | $275.00 |
| Regular Patient Application Fee with Three CG’s | $125.00 | $250.00 | $350.00 |
| Regular Patient Reduced Fee Application with One CG | $50.00 | $100.00 | $150.00 |
| Regular Patient Reduced Fee Application with Two CG’s | $75.00 | $150.00 | $225.00 |
| Regular Patient Reduced Fee Application with Three CG’s | $100.00 | $200.00 | $300.00 |
In Illinois, physician fees for a cannabis certification vary between $75 to $125.
If you need a caregiver, you must apply for a caregiver application. Patients may have up to three (3) caregivers. Generally, minors and terminal patients will require a caregiver. It costs $25/year per caregiver.
The fee is reduced to $50 for veterans and those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
People on Social Security or Disability qualify for the reduced application fees!
Illinois-residing veterans who receive health services from Veteran’s Administration (VA) Facilities are not required to obtain a written certification from a physician. Instead, they can submit 12 months of VA records with their application. To get started:
Follow the instructions on the online application and submit all required information and documents. Remember to double-check everything before submitting to avoid delays or rejections due to incomplete or inaccurate data.
Minors under 18 require a physician’s certification of a qualifying condition to apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card. A second physician must review and confirm the diagnosis. Both certifications, along with a designated caregiver, must be submitted.
The first caregiver’s application is free, while adding a second or third caregiver costs $75 each. Minors are restricted to cannabis-infused products and cannot use smokable ones.
To get started, parents or guardians can begin the Minor Qualifying Patient Application here. Remember if you do not have two physicians – ours can help.
Terminal patients do not have to pay any fees to the state to obtain a medical cannabis card in Illinois.
Once you have determined that you have a qualifying condition, you’ll need to find a healthcare provider registered with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to certify your eligibility for the program.
The certification process involves an examination of your medical records and a discussion with your healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of medical marijuana treatment.
If your primary care physician is willing to certify you, fantastic! They will fill out this form. However, if you do not feel you can discuss cannabis with your existing doctor for any reason whatsoever, you can instead get certified for your medical cannabis card through our network of physicians and cannabis providers!
Once your certification is complete, you can apply for your medical marijuana card through the IDPH’s online application system. The application requires personal information, a passport-style photo, and a nonrefundable fee.
On the application, you will select whether you are getting a card for yourself or someone else. Note that you will be asked whether you are terminal, a vet, receiving disability income or whether you need a caregiver. When creating your account, save your login and password somewhere safe!
It’s important to note that the application process may take several minutes, so it’s best to apply once you have all the necessary documentation.
Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your Illinois medical marijuana card. This card is your official proof of enrollment in the program and allows you to purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries.
Keep your medical marijuana card in a safe place and remember to bring it with you whenever you visit a dispensary. Dispensaries are required to verify your patient status before allowing you to make a purchase.
After submitting your application, you will receive a provisional letter via email. This letter serves as temporary proof of your patient status while you wait for your medical marijuana card to arrive. It’s crucial to keep a copy of this letter with you at all times when you have medical marijuana. Print your provisional letter to get access immediately.
After receiving your medical marijuana card, you will have access to a variety of state-licensed dispensaries where you can purchase medical cannabis products. The state regulates these dispensaries to ensure the quality and safety of their products.
While waiting for your medical marijuana card, you can start preparing for your first visit to a dispensary.
Ensure that you have all the necessary information and documents ready before beginning the application process. The program has a straightforward process, but patients must provide:
After meeting the requirements and applying online for Illinois medical cannabis, you’ll get a temporary card for dispensary use within 24 hours. The permanent card arrives in about 4-6 weeks. Mailed paper applications take longer to process.
Medical marijuana cards in Illinois are valid for either one or three years, depending on the duration selected during the application process.
To renew your card, you will need to follow a similar process as the initial application, including obtaining a new medical marijuana patient certificate and submitting a renewal application with the required documents and fees. Use the qualifying patient renewal instructions from the State, or go through us, and we’ll handle everything for you.
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the process, congratulations on taking the first step toward obtaining your medical marijuana card in Illinois!
Obtaining an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card offers several distinct advantages for patients:
Knowledge is empowerment, and understanding these benefits can lead to a more informed and optimized medical cannabis experience in Illinois.
Now that you have your medical marijuana card, it’s time for your first visit to an Illinois dispensary. When planning your visit, it’s a good idea to research different dispensaries in your area and find one that meets your preferences and needs.
When you arrive at the dispensary, you must present your medical marijuana card and a valid photo ID. The staff will guide you through the process and help you select the appropriate products based on your medical condition and preferences.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek their expertise—dispensary staff are there to assist you in making informed decisions about your medical marijuana treatment.
You’re probably wondering: Can I use my out-of-state medical marijuana card in Illinois? While Illinois does not currently accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, they do offer reciprocity for registered patients from certain states.
It’s important to check the Illinois Department of Public Health‘s website for the most up-to-date information on reciprocity.
At The Cannabis Community, we understand the importance of medical cannabis in many of our readers’ lives. We’re committed to simplifying the process for you:
Join us today and experience the difference of The Cannabis Community.
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to navigate the medical marijuana program in Illinois. However, it’s normal to have additional questions or concerns. In this section, we’ll address some frequently asked questions to ensure you have all the information you need.
In Illinois, you can purchase medical cannabis at one of over 40 licensed dispensaries. The Department of Public Health lists each dispensary’s license, location, and contact info. Additionally, you can view our directory listings to find dispensaries near you!
You are able to consume cannabis within the privacy of your own home! In addition, the state of Illinois is starting to allow consumption lounges to open up. These are places where you can go, hang out, socialize, and enjoy cannabis products on-site.
Smoking in public places is prohibited and could result in penalties and fines. Additionally, you are not able to consume cannabis products on private property, government property, or places where you don’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
Medical patients can buy 2.5 ounces of cannabis every two weeks and save up to 40% on taxes. Most in Illinois qualify for a card, typically received within a day of applying. To get a 5-ounce allowance, a healthcare professional must recommend an increase online. You’ll be notified by email once approved.
It’s important to note that possession limits may vary for different forms of medical marijuana, such as concentrates or edibles.
Individuals residing in Illinois who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to possess: up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, which is approximately equivalent to an ounce; 5 grams of cannabis concentrates, encompassing products like oils, dabs, or kief; and cannabis-infused items that contain a total of 500 milligrams of THC, which includes a variety of products such as edibles and tinctures.
If your primary care physician is willing to certify you, that will save you on some costs. In addition, if you’re a veteran or on SSI/SSDI, you may qualify for eligible discounts.
As a medical patient, your information is registered with the state. If you’re curious about who can see that you have a medical cannabis card, check out our detailed article here.
Due to the federal laws around cannabis, insurance companies are not able to cover medical cannabis products today.
The short answer is it depends. Having a medical card will not result in you losing your firearms, but it may make purchasing new guns more difficult. To learn more, check out our detailed analysis here.
Under the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, registered patients are allowed to grow their own medical marijuana plants. Patients may grow up to 5 plants at a time. All other medical marijuana products must be obtained from state-licensed dispensaries.
No, it is illegal to drive under the influence of medical marijuana in Illinois. Just like alcohol, operating a vehicle while impaired by medical marijuana can result in serious legal consequences. It’s important always to use medical marijuana responsibly and avoid driving if you are impaired.
To visit any of the 60 medical dispensaries in Illinois as a medical marijuana patient, you must have your medical marijuana card or ID. However, adults over 21 can buy cannabis at a dispensary within state guidelines at any dispensary.
It depends on where and how you are trying to travel. To learn more, read our guide on traveling with medical marijuana.
You are able to do what you wish in the confine of your own home and there are no explicit rules around sharing cannabis products with other patients and consumers over the age of 21.
This will likely depend on your parole officer; however, due to the existing stigma and risk, we recommend consulting with an attorney or directly with your parole officer. Be sure to explain why you are eligible for the program and do your best to comply with any terms assigned to you.
Thanks to Ashley’s Law – the state of Illinois ensures access to medical cannabis under the age of 18. For more information about Ashley’s Law, please refer to the Illinois State Board of Education website
Technically, yes. If you do not have an eligible condition, or the information you submitted is incomplete, your application for an Illinois medical cannabis card may be disqualified and rejected. Double and triple-check any information you submit on your application to ensure a seamless process.
The products you buy depend on the desired effects you are looking for, symptoms you are looking to manage, personal preference, pricing, promotions, and many other variables. We recommend you check out our guide on how to choose the best medical cannabis strain for your condition or particular preference.
If you have more questions, we encourage you to join our Illinois community, where 18,000 members talk with each other daily, answer questions, and support one another in a helpful and thriving community. Best of all, it’s free to join!
The State website lists the most common issues and questions about getting your Illinois medical cannabis card. If you are having any problems with getting your card, check out the State’s FAQ page to see if it answers the problems you are experiencing.
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