Illinois Medical Marijuana Card: Everything You Need To Know

Step-by-Step Guide to Joining the Illinois Medical Marijuana Program

Illinois became a recreational cannabis state in 2020, but there are still many benefits to joining the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP). If you’re interested in obtaining a medical marijuana card, Verilife is here to guide you through the process. Every state has its own program and set of regulations, so make sure to follow our Illinois-specific guide below.

Illinois Medical Marijuana Qualifications

Before you begin the medical marijuana application process in Illinois, make sure you meet the following requirements:

• At least 18 years old OR a minor with an adult caregiver
• A legal resident of Illinois
• A certified diagnosis from Illinois Department of Public Health’s list of debilitating conditions by a healthcare professional
  
  

How to Apply for an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card
[5 Steps]

If you meet the above requirements, you’re ready to begin the application process. Follow these steps to become part of the state’s medical marijuana registry.

Get Your Medical Marijuana 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.

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
  
  

Registration fees range from $25 - $300, depending on the length of the term and the number of designated caregivers assigned to a patient.

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.

Print Your Illinois Medical Marijuana 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.

Your First Illinois Dispensary Visit

You are eligible to visit a state-licensed dispensary in Illinois as soon as you have your provisional letter. 

How to Renew Your Illinois Medical Marijuana Card

The Illinois Department of Public Health will send courtesy emails about extension and full recertification renewals. 

You will have two renewal options:

• If you did not purchase a three-year card, you can get an extension renewal for the duration of the three-year period. You will need to pay the fee, but no additional healthcare certification is required.
  
  
• If you have had your card for three years or if your medical card has expired, you will need to obtain a full healthcare recertification and pay the associated fees.
  
  

Illinois Medical Marijuana Purchase & Possession Limits

Medical cannabis patients in Illinois can purchase up to 2.5oz (70.87g) of cannabis products every 14 days.

When it comes to cannabis possession in Illinois, the rules are the same for medical marijuana patients and recreational shoppers:

• Up to 30 grams of cannabis flower 
• Up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrate
• Up to 500 mg of THC in cannabis-infused products, including edibles
  
  

Please note that there are different possession limits for out-of-state residents. However, Illinois does not recognize medical marijuana cards issued by other states, so non-resident limits do not apply here.

FAQs About Medical Cannabis in Illinois

Because of the nuances of the Illinois medical marijuana program, we see a variety of  frequently asked questions. To make it easier to obtain the information you need, we compiled and answered these questions here.

Is medical marijuana legal in Illinois?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Illinois to qualifying patients and their registered caregivers. Illinois legalized medical cannabis in 2014, becoming the 20th state to do so.

How long will it take to receive my Illinois medical marijuana card?

The process varies from patient to patient. It typically takes the Illinois Department of Public Health up to 30 days to review an application. Once your application is approved, you will receive a digital medical marijuana card to print and use. Illinois no longer provides physical cards.

How much does a medical marijuana card cost in Illinois?

Medical Cannabis Patient Program application fees in Illinois range from $25 - $300, depending on the length of the term and the number of registered caregivers. Visit the MCPP Registry Card Fees page for more information.

How can I purchase medical marijuana in Illinois?

If you have a valid Illinois medical cannabis card, you are able to visit any medical dispensary in the state. Please note, not all Illinois dispensaries serve medical patients. You will still be able to make marijuana purchases at recreational dispensaries, but you may need to pay a higher sales tax.

How can I get a prescription for medical marijuana in Illinois?

Qualifying patients with medical marijuana cards are not prescribed specific medical marijuana products. Rather, they receive a certification to purchase any type of medical marijuana to help with their condition, up to a recommended limit. 

Please note that medical marijuana patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. 

Does Illinois accept out-of-state medical cards?

No, Illinois does not have a medical marijuana reciprocity program. That means the state does not accept medical marijuana cards issued by other states.