Illinois Medical Marijuana Info for Children, Veterans, & Terminally Ill

Illinois medical marijuana for children

A true way to heal for patients of all ages.

Some people are surprised to learn that medical marijuana is an option for children. For kids with epilepsy, cancer, and other conditions, anecdotal evidence shows support for its benefits.

At Verilife, we believe that no one should have to suffer when a medication that can help relieve their symptoms exists—least of all children. That’s why we advocate for access for everyone, including kids, and ensure that we bring the real information about its possibilities to help.

How to get a medical marijuana card for a qualifying child living in Illinois

A qualifying patient who is younger than 18 years old
A minor must have an adult caregiver—who must also be their legal guardian—apply and receive a medical marijuana card on their behalf
Children must be certified by two physicians

GET A CARD

Info for Illinois veterans

The challenges of life after military service can be difficult to navigate, and we're here to help. From the potential to alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to provide an alternative to opioids for chronic pain, medical marijuana holds numerous possibilities to help the many men and women who have served this country.

Veterans can obtain medical marijuana the same way as other patients. Veterans need to confirm through the office of Veteran Affairs that they are permitted to use medical marijuana as part of their certified provider recommendation without consequence to their current position or health care system.

Info for Illinois veterans receiving care at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facility

You do NOT need to provide a physician’s written certification. But, you do need copies of the following forms:

You can get your VA form 10-5345 from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Simply make a “Request for and Authorization to Release Medical Records or Health Information.”

Below are the steps to request a release of your VA medical records:

Mark “OTHER” under “INFORMATION REQUESTED.”
Specify that you are requesting information about the treatment of your debilitating medical condition for the most recent 12-month period.
Write “PERSONAL MEDICAL PURPOSES” under “PURPOSE(S) OR NEED FOR WHICH THE INFORMATION IS TO BE USED BY INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE RELEASED.”
Write your address under “NAME AND ADDRESS OF ORGANIZATION, INDIVIDUAL OR TITLE OF INDIVIDUAL TO WHOM INFORMATION IS TO BE RELEASED.”
Once you receive your official medical records, simply submit them with your application to the Illinois Department of Public Health here.

You can get your VA Form DD214 in one of two ways:

Free Electronic Copy of DD-214 - Get a free electronic copy at eBenefits. An eBenefits Premium Account is required. You’ll receive your electronic copy within 48 hours of your request.

Free Paper Copy of DD-214 - Most Veterans who separated from service prior to 1992 may request free paper copies of their DD Form 214 from the National Personnel Records Center in one of two ways:

Submit a Department of Defense Standard Form 180 (“SF180”) to the facility via mail or fax
Request in-person at the facility

The National Archives also maintains a list of independent researchers who will physically visit the St. Louis facility to request records in-person on behalf of the veteran.

Illinois medical marijuana for the terminally ill: Expedite your application

Making you comfortable.

Persons diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less may apply for a medical cannabis registry identification card. There is no application fee.

Qualifying patients (Adults and persons 18+):

Be a resident of the State of Illinois at the time of application and remain a resident during participation in the program
Have been diagnosed with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less
Submit a complete application
Make sure your physician completes and signs the physician confirmation of a diagnosis of terminal illness.
This form must be signed in blue ink
The in-person physical examination must take place within 90 days of the application submission date
Not hold a school bus permit or Commercial Driver’s License
Not be an active duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, correctional probation officer or firefighter
Select a caregiver, if desired (persons under age 18 may have two caregivers)

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Applications cannot be completed online and must be mailed to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Medical Cannabis
535 W. Jefferson Street
Springfield, IL 62761-0001

Persons whose diagnosis is no longer terminal after a period of six months and their caregivers may submit an application for a one, two, or three-year registry identification card.

Questions about terminal illness applications may be emailed to:
dph.terminalill@illinois.gov or call (855) 636-3688

Info For Terminally Ill Veterans receiving care at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Facility

Veterans with a terminal illness can use the Illinois Terminal Illness form, however, no doctor certification is required.

Submit a copy of your DD214 showing dates of service and character of service (type of discharge)
Provide a copy of your medical records from the VA facility for the last 12 months
Complete the Attestation of Terminal Illness (page 6 of the application package).
This form must be notarized.

Persons (or their caregivers) whose diagnosis is no longer terminal after a period of six months may submit applications for a three-year registry identification card.