Step 1: Get Your Patient Certificate
The first step in the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program is to obtain an online certification of your qualifying condition from your healthcare professional. Any medical practitioner in Illinois can certify that a patient has a qualifying medical condition from the list of approved conditions. However, you must have a bona fide physician-patient relationship.
Step 2: Complete Your Medical Marijuana Application
Once you have been certified by your healthcare professional, you will need to complete the patient portion of the application and pay the appropriate fees through the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System. Make sure to have the following items available:
Completed healthcare professional certification A passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days by a smartphone or a professional photographer A color copy of a current driver's license, state ID, or photo page of a US passport* Credit card to pay the online application fee
*If your current address does not match the address on your identity document, you will need to provide proof of residency. This can be a utility bill, a bank statement, or a voter ID card. Click here for a list of acceptable documents.
Registration fees range from $25 - $300, depending on the length of the term and the number of designated caregivers assigned to a patient.
Step 3: Print Your Provisional Letter
Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a provisional registration letter to print and use to purchase medical cannabis at a state-licensed dispensary. This letter is valid for up to 90 days or until your application is either approved or denied.
Step 4: Print Your Card
Once your application has been approved, you’ll receive a digital copy of your card to print. Please note, Illinois no longer issues physical medical cannabis cards.
Step 5: Your First Dispensary Visit
You are eligible to visit a state-licensed dispensary in Illinois as soon as you have your provisional letter. There are a few things to know before making your first visit, so read our guide to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
YOUR FIRST VISIT