Illinois became an entertaining cannabis state in 2021, but there are still several advantages to joining the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP). If you are interested in gaining a medical marijuana card, we are here to guide you through the process. Every state has its own rules and program, so make sure to follow our Illinois-specific guide below on How to Get an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card.

How to Get an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card

Stage 1 – Get the Doctor Certification Form 

The first stage to becoming a medical marijuana patient and getting your medical marijuana card in Illinois is to meet with your physician about medical cannabis. Suppose they agree that medical marijuana is a choice for you. In that case, they will require to go to the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System and complete the Health Care Professional area of the web portal on your behalf.

Veterans getting treatment at a federal Veterans Affairs (VA) facility might instead select to submit their DD Form 214 for applying for a medical card in Illinois. This form verifies their release or discharge from active duty plus one year of medical records from their VA facility.

Caregivers applying for an Illinois medical marijuana card for a minor would need to submit both the standard doctor’s certification form and a second doctor’s recommendation using the forms.

Stage 2 – Fill Out the Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP) Application 

To complete the Illinois medical marijuana card online application, you must complete the MCPP Patient Registration.

When you and your physician have completed the MCPP application procedure, you must receive a provisional access card over your account that you made to submit the paperwork 24 hours after completion.

There is no online application for Illinois medical cannabis cards for caregivers. In its place, caregivers looking for medical marijuana cards in Illinois for minors would need to fill out a paper form plus mail it in. Additional caregivers could be added at the time of the MMJ card application for an additional fee.

Phase 3 – Select a Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Illinois 

EarthMed Addison is one of only 55 marijuana dispensaries in Illinois certified to sell medical marijuana.

Medical marijuana patients no longer essential to register with a definite marijuana dispensary at the time of their Illinois medical cannabis card application. As an MMJ patient in Illinois, you can visit any medical marijuana dispensary to buy your cannabis without paying the state’s added adult-use taxes. If you select to purchase medical marijuana from an amusing marijuana dispensary, you will be charged extra taxes related to your buying.

Stage 4 – Pay the Illinois Medical Marijuana Card Application Fee 

To apply for a marijuana card in Illinois, there is 50$ fee for one year, 100$ for two years, and 150 $ for three years. The Illinois medical cannabis card application charges are non-refundable and could be paid by credit or debit card on the Illinois medical marijuana card online application.

You might qualify for a 50% discount on the Illinois medical cannabis card application fee if you are a veteran or receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The reduced charges for a medical marijuana card in Illinois are $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years. To qualify, you must either upload a copy of your Social Security Benefit Verification statement or your DD 214 veterans’ certification form.

For caregivers, the MMJ card application charges are still lower: $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years. Patients might designate up to three caregivers to be capable of placing and picking up medical cannabis orders on their behalf. An extra fee of $25 will be added to your Illinois medical cannabis card application charge for each additional designated caregiver.

Patients with terminal diseases with a life expectancy of six months or less could qualify for a six-month medical marijuana card in Illinois with no application fee.

Stage 5 – Submit a Photo

To complete your Illinois medical marijuana card application, you must send a 2×2-inch passport photo. It is significant to make certain this photo is taken with a solid colored background with no one else in the picture with you. The most accessible alternative is to visit your local passport photo service location plus have them take your photo.

Minors are not essential to submit a photograph for their Illinois medical cannabis card.

If you decline to submit a photo for religious causes, you may submit a photo affidavit, which a committee would review for an approval decision. 

 Stage 6 – Evidence of Illinois Residency

Along with your IL marijuana card application plus a photo, you would need to deliver two forms of evidence that you are an Illinois resident. Acceptable forms of evidence include your driver’s license, voter card, bank statements, or utility bills with your name and address on them.

Stage 7 – Proof of Age and Identity

To apply for a medical cannabis card in Illinois, you must also upload a photocopy of your government-issued ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or state ID.

For more info on the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program, plus applying for an Illinois medical marijuana card, go to the State of Illinois’ Department of Public Health website.

What’s the medical marijuana law in Illinois?

In Illinois, medical cannabis is the legitimate pot bought by a qualifying patient or caregiver from a licensed retailer.

In August 2013, Former Gov. Pat Quinn signed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, which permitted the cultivation, sale, and use of medical pot in the state.

Illinois started accepting applications for patients, sellers, and growers in September 2014, and dispensaries started doling out grass the following November. Gov. Bruce Rauner later signed a bill in July 2016 that prolonged the state’s medical pot program till 2020.

Illinois’ program remains one of the most restrictive in the state, with regulators tracking cannabis from seed to sale plus handing out a restricted number of licenses for dispensaries and cultivation facilities.

Furthermore, Rauner has been resistant to several proposals that would have extended the program.

In June 2016 governing, a Cook County judge ordered the state to add post-traumatic stress disorder to the list of debilitating conditions. afterward, Rauner rejected a commendation from the now-defunct Cannabis Advisory Board and vetoed a bill that would have done just that. Rauner also shot down the consultative board’s proposals to add migraine, osteoarthritis, and other diseases to the list of qualifying conditions.

What’s next after getting a card?

Once a patient has been permitted for the state’s medical program, they can go to the dispensary they selected through the application process to purchase cannabis.

Patients relying on a caregiver will be capable of using cannabis the caregiver has bought for them at an approved dispensary.

Top 3 hidden benefits of getting your Illinois medical marijuana recommendation

The advantages of having your medical marijuana card outweigh the cost 

1. Foremost marijuana concessions up to 30% in Illinois

If you have one of the several qualifying medical conditions, the card will pay for itself in no time with the widespread cannabis tax discounts you will receive in Illinois.

An extra Illinois state tax is placed on specific items named an excise tax. In Illinois, the excise tax could be up to 25% to purchase cannabis products at some dispensaries.

On top of that, add up to 6.5% of Illinois sales tax. Medical marijuana cardholders are excused except for a 1% state retailer professional tax. You could be saving almost a third of your cannabis expenses for the year.

2. Buying larger quantities of cannabis in Illinois

Current Illinois recreational marijuana buying limits are 1.05 ounces each two weeks. With your Illinois medical marijuana card, you could buy up to 2.5 ounces over two weeks.

You can furthermore ask your local dispensary if they have programs for Illinois medical marijuana patients. Several dispensaries offer concessions and hold a definite supply of top-shelf products back precisely for medical marijuana patients.

3. Better quality Illinois marijuana and CBD options

The quality of Illinois cannabis increases significantly with your medical marijuana card. You have access to the state’s medical-grade dispensaries. This is the finest quality cannabis from local plus organic growers.

Another smart way to control the quality of the cannabis you eat is by developing your own. With your medical marijuana card, you could cultivate your quality organic cannabis legitimately in Illinois.

What info and forms are essential to apply for a medical marijuana card?

To apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card, you will need to deliver the following information:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• The last four digits of your Social Security number
• Your current address
• Evidence of residency (e.g., state identification card, a copy of your driver’s license, healthcare statement, bank statement, or utility bill)
• A recent photograph
• The name, address, as well as the phone number of your commending doctor
• Proof of identity (e.g., a copy of your driver’s license or state ID card)
• You will also need to complete the following forms:
• Patient Registration Form
• Physician Certification Form
• Release of Information Form

Depending on your conditions, you may also need to deliver additional supporting papers or info, such as evidence of income or military status. It is essential to carefully review the requirements and submit all required papers before submitting your application.

What are the qualifying medical conditions?

You can find a comprehensive list of qualifying medical conditions on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website. Here are the most common conditions:

• Chronic Pain
• Cancer
• Chron’s disease
• Glaucoma
• Migraines
• Neuropathy
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Residual limb pain
• Ulcerative colitis

Special rules for minors

Patients under 18 years are not required to submit a photo or a fingerprint background check. They need to visit 2 physicians: one to deliver a certificate and one to review it. They must designate at least one caregiver.

The patient would be given a special card with definite restrictions. Once the patient turns 18, they could apply for an adult card. They could apply right away or during the usual renewal period. Designated caregivers might only purchase medical weed-infused products from listed dispensaries. Other kinds of medical weed products are not permitted.

A parent or guardian could administer medical weed-infused products to the student on school premises otherwise on a school bus. This must be approved by a school district, charter school, public school, or nonpublic school. Both the student plus the parent or guardian must have registry ID cards.  

As previously stated, Illinois medical marijuana patients could purchase 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days. This is the maximum amount that medical users could own at one time. Doctors could recommend higher possession limits for patients if essential. Possession limits for medical marijuana patients are much upper than they are for entertaining users, and patients cannot give away their medical cannabis. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Medical Card in Illinois? 

Luckily, the procedure is fairly fast. You’ll receive a provisional version of your medical card within 24 hours, which you could use at dispensaries. Your official medical card must come in the mail within four to six weeks, and will last for the period of time you specified in your application (up to three years).

How much are the application fees?

There are three Illinois medical marijuana application fee alternatives for you as a qualifying patient. If you are a veteran or otherwise receive Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you are eligible to receive a 50% concession on the application fee.

The original charges are $50 for one year, $100 for two years, and $150 for three years, while the discounted charges are $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years.

For caregivers, application charges are lower – $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years.

Note that the application fees are non-refundable as well as can be paid online by credit or debit card.

What is the income limit for a medical marijuana card in Illinois?

There are not presently any income limits for medical marijuana cards in Illinois. Though, there are some people that could qualify for reduced application charges, for example, veterans.

How do I renew my Illinois medical card?

Renewing your medical card in Illinois is pretty easy. The Illinois Department of Public Health will mail you a letter soon before your medical card is because of expiring. Once you have received the letter, you could apply for the renewal online over the patient portal. The fee is $100 for a one-year renewal.

 

Is my marijuana card usable in other states?

A few other states would accept a medical marijuana card from Illinois. These are Maine, Nevada, Arkansas, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Rhode Island, and Washington DC. Several other states have legalized marijuana for recreational buying and will allow you to purchase it while visiting. Illinois does not presently accept medical cards from other states but will enable non-residents to buy small amounts of cannabis.

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Illinois? 

You must have your medical marijuana card or ID card with you to go to a medical marijuana Illinois dispensary as a medical cannabis patient. Any adult over the age of 21 can buy cannabis at a dispensary within legal state limits. 

Where can I legally purchase medical marijuana in Illinois? 

You can legally purchase medical cannabis at an accredited and regulated dispensary in Illinois. There are above 40 medical marijuana dispensaries in Illinois. The Department of Public Health maintains a list of dispensaries, their locations, licenses, and contact information. 

How could I join the RISE medical marijuana community? 

With your medical marijuana card, it is easy—you are eligible to visit any RISE Dispensary in Illinois and get assistance with your medical cannabis requirements. Medical cannabis patients in Illinois must no longer register with a precise medical cannabis dispensary. Once you have your card, RISE staff members will be happy to help you with your questions.

How Does Doctors of Cannabis Work in Illinois?

A medical marijuana card is an ID card used by patients to purchase or grow weed to help treat their sicknesses. The state of Illinois issues the cards afterward you and your doctor agree that cannabis would be a practical treatment choice. Your ailment must moreover be an official medical condition by the state.

Issuance of medical marijuana cards is part of the Illinois state’s focus on fighting opioid abuse. It also decreases the amount of taxes you must pay to purchase weed for qualifying medical conditions. 

What professions would stop me from being licensed for an Illinois medical card?

Unluckily, if you are or have any of the following, you might not apply: 

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• School Bus Permit
• Presently employed as Correctional Officer, Law Enforcement, Probation Officer, or Firefighter

Which doctors can certify for medical marijuana?

To get licensed for Illinois medical cannabis, patients must visit a doctor who the state has approved to verify people for medical marijuana. These doctors are known as Medical Marijuana Registered Practitioners (MMRP). MMRP must have a certificate to practice in Illinois and do a training program presented by the state Department of Public Health.

How long is my card valid?

Your Illinois MMJ registry card will be effective for one year from the date of its issuance.

Where can I use medical marijuana in Illinois?

Medical marijuana can be consumed in Illinois in several ways, including smoking, vaping, and consuming edibles. Eligible patients must ingest their medical marijuana privately–not in public.

Can you get an Illinois medical card online?

The Illinois Department of Public Health’s online medical marijuana register is now up, and it might be viewed by clicking on the link on the government Marijuana portal of Illinois.

Patients and caregivers might pay for a one-year, two-year, or three-year registration by selecting one of the options.

If you have any problems registering, you can call our customer support for help seven days a week for assistance.

How long does it take to process a medical card application?

We process completed medical card applications within 15 days of receiving the documents. If we do not have all of the info we require, we will write to you to tell you of the info that is lacking.

Do I need to submit fingerprints or conduct a background check to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois?

As of August 2018, you no longer need to submit fingerprints or background checks to the Illinois Department of Public Health to obtain approval for a medical cannabis card.

Conclusion

 Illinois has a more regulated medical cannabis program than several other states, such as California. Our limited list of authorized medical conditions, a small number of dispensaries to cover the whole state (up to 60), and vital doctor requirements are different from earlier and less regulated medical cannabis states. Though we benefited from some of the best practices in states similar to Colorado and Washington, to make specific, our laboratory testing standards and patient lawful protections are better than maximum cannabis programs in the country.

Even though amusing cannabis is legal in Illinois, there are many advantages to getting a medical marijuana card. Illinois has a 25% state excise tax from which medical marijuana card holders are excused. Medical marijuana patients can obtain cannabis at 18, but you must be 21 to purchase recreationally. Medical marijuana patients could grow up to 5 plants. You also get to skip the line at dispensaries.