Get an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Illinois?

Here is an overview of the medical marijuana laws in Illinois:

1978 – The Cannabis Control Act technically allows medical marijuana but was never actioned by state departments

2013 – House Bill 1 (HB 1) is approved and signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn, entitled “The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act”. This established the right for patients and their appointed caregivers to be protected from arrest, prosecution or denial of any right or privilege. Provisions for cultivation centers and dispensaries are also outlined.

2014 – Department of Public Health released revised rules for the implementation of medical marijuana laws.

2014 – Governor Quinn signs Senate Bill 2636 (SB 2636), which allows for those aged under 18 to access non-smokable medical cannabis for all the same conditions those aged 18 or over can be recommended cannabis. Epilepsy is added to the list of qualifying conditions.

2016 – Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) extends the Illinois Pilot Program to 2020.

2019 – Recreational cannabis is legalized with the passage of HB 1438. The Medical Cannabis Pilot Program became permanent and is renamed the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. Medical patients are now allowed to cultivate up to five plants for personal consumption.

Next steps after approval

Per state regulations, you must complete the state application within 90 days of your Leafwell approval. Failure to meet this deadline necessitates an additional consultation, as mandated by the state. To avoid an extra consultation fee, submit your application on time!

Here’s a guide to what you need to do next.

Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:

• A digital photograph (taken within the last 30 days – passport style)
• Proof of age and identity (e.g. IL driving license, IL state ID, passport, or out-of-state ID with proof of residency)
• A credit card to pay for the state application
• If applicable: A Benefit Verification Letter (or DD214)

Getting Your Illinois Medical Marijuana Card

1. Click here (https://etk.icts.illinois.gov/) and click on MCPP Patient Registration.
2. Complete the requested information and click ‘Register.’
3. You’ll be sent an email notification with a temporary password.
   1. Log back in with the temporary password and you’ll be able to change it to something memorable by clicking ‘My Account’, then ‘Password.’
4. Click ‘+New MCPP Patient Registration.’
5. Complete the rest of the information required.
   1. If you are applying as a minor, click here for more detailed instructions.
   2. If you are applying with a terminal condition, click here for more detailed instructions.
6. You can choose to get a card for 1, 2, or 3 years (your certificate from Leafwell is valid for 3 years and if you do not renew your 1 or 2-year card in time, you may be charged a resubmission fee by Leafwell).
   1. 1 year = $50
   2. 2 years = $100
   3. 3 years = $125 – Recommended
7. If you need a caregiver, you can add their information under the caretaker tab (click for more detailed instructions on this process).
   1. For more information for caregivers, click here.
8. Complete your personal information. Your name must match what the provider entered. No middle names, or initials.
9. Upload your proof of identity.
10.  You can upload proof that you are eligible for reduced fees if relevant.
11. At the bottom of the terms and conditions, you can type your name into the box to act as a digital signature.
12. Click ‘Save.’
13. You then need to attach the Healthcare Professional Certificate.
    1. Click on the ‘Provider Certification’ tab.
    2. There is a blank text box. Click on the ‘+New’ button and it will open a dropdown. Your certification number should be there.
       1. Please note: If your certification is not displayed, ensure that there are no middle names or initials on your state application! The name needs to be as it appeared on your original Leafwell registration.
    3. Click on the Health Care Professional Certification Number drop-down box.
    4. Your certificate number will be auto-populated in the drop-down box and start with PC. Our providers aim to get your certificates submitted on the same day. If the certificate does not appear within 24 hours, please contact support@leafwell.com.
14. Pay for your application and finalize your application.
15. You will be directed back to the “Patient Registration” tab. Your status will show “SOS Check” until the card is ready.
16. Click on Initial Application under “Tracking Inbox” and you will see “Provisional Letter” to print out.  This can be used to legally purchase cannabis until your digital card is ready. It typically is available 24-48 hours after you complete your application.
    1. Here are the instructions for printing your letter.
    2. Once the state has fully processed your approval, which can take up to 90 days, you can access your digital card.

Additional Instructions

• Qualifying Patient Application Instructions
• Qualifying Patient Application Instructions with a Caregiver

In addition to contacting Leafwell, free help is available for patients through participating local health departments. Click here for a list of participating locations.

Please note: Per state regulations, you must complete the state application within 90 days of receiving your Leafwell certification. Failure to do so may result in an additional consult and fee.

How to renew your medical cannabis certification

Illinois medical marijuana certificates are valid for three years and can be renewed online. We recommend renewing 60 days before your expiration date to avoid a lapse in coverage.

A renewal consultation with Leafwell costs $99 and you’ll only be charged if approved.

When it comes to the state card, patients can choose between a 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year card when completing the state application with fees ranging between $50 to $125.

We recommend choosing a 3-year card to match the length of your certification, so you can renew your provider certification and state card at the same time. If you choose a 1 or 2-year card, it’s important to renew on time and not let it expire — per state law, expired cards cannot be renewed, so a brand new certification and application will be required.

Here’s a summary of the renewal process:

1. Sign in to your Leafwell account or register as a renewal patient here.
2. Speak to an Illinois-licensed healthcare provider online.
3. Once approved, the provider submits your certificate details directly to the state using the last four (4) digits of your SSN.
4. Sign in to the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System. Your Tracking Inbox Status must be “Pending Renewal” to start the renewal application.*
5. You will receive an email notification after completing the application and submitting payment to the state. You can continue to use your current card until it expires.
   1. Please note: The card expiration date will change the day after your current card expires.
6. Once expired, you will be able to print or download your updated card the next day.

Next steps after renewal

There are two types of renewals in Illinois :

1. An Extension Renewal, which is a yearly incremental renewal for patients who did not purchase a three-year card at the onset of registering and wish to continue with the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. Your certification will still be valid, so a new one is not required for this type of renewal.
   1. Instructions can be found here.

1. A Full Recertification Renewal, a renewal for patients who have had their cards for three years or whose card has expired. Full recertification renewals will require patients to see their certifying health care professional for a new updated certification.
   1. Instructions can be found here.
   2. After submitting payment to the state, you will receive an email notification. You can continue to use your current card until it expires.
      1. Please note: The new expiration date will not be shown on your account until after the current card expires. Once expired, you will be able to print or download your updated card the next day.

Notification prior to renewal:

IDPH will send a courtesy email about your extension renewal (one-year incremental renewal) approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card.

DPH will send a courtesy email about your full recertification renewals (three-year cards) five months prior to the expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card.

Legal limitations for Illinois card holders

Possession Limits: An Illinois resident with a medical cannabis card can possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis per 14-day period. With a waiver from a provider, this limit can be increased.

Participants in the adult-use market who are Illinois residents are allowed to possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrates, or up to 500 mg of THC in infused cannabis products.

For non-residents, the possession limit is decreased to 15 grams of cannabis flower, 2.5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and no more than 250 milligrams of THC content in infused cannabis products.

Recreational Use is Legal: Illinois became the 11th state to legalize recreational cannabis in 2019 with the passing of HB 1438.

Employee Protections: Medical cannabis card holders are afforded some employee protection

• An individual is ineligible for an MMJ card if they are:
  • An active duty law enforcement officer
  • A correctional officer
  • A correctional probation officer
  • A firefighter
  • An active school bus permit holder or commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder.
• Illinois medical cannabis patients only pay the state sales tax of 6.25% and local taxes of up to 3.5%.

Cultivation Legal for Medical Patients: Cultivating cannabis in Illinois is only legal for those with a medical cannabis card who are over 21 years old. Registered medical marijuana patients can grow up to five mature plants at a time. Cannabis plants must be cultivated in a secure place out of the public view.

Delta-8 and CBD: Thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, all derivatives and cannabinoids of the hemp plant are also legal in Illinois, including CBD, delta-8, delta-10 THC, and more. They are not further regulated in the state of Illinois.

How to become a caregiver in Illinois

Patients under 18 or those unable to manage medical cannabis themselves may select a designated caregiver to assist with the patient’s medical use of medical marijuana.

Caregivers must apply for a registry ID card online through the state of Illinois’ online application portal or by completing and submitting a printed application, available online.

Registry ID cards for caregivers are valid for up to three years, and the card fee varies depending on the length of the card and whether your patient already has an active medical marijuana card.

As of 2018, Ashley’s Law allows minor patient cardholders access to medical marijuana-infused products at school or on a school bus. Only a registered caregiver may administer these products to the student. Must be 21 years or older.

Caregivers must:

• Agree to assist with a patient’s medical use of cannabis
• Keep their medical cannabis patient registry identification card in his or her possession at all times when engaging in the medical use of cannabis.
• Not been convicted of an excluded offense.
• Have one registered qualifying Illinois medical cannabis patient.

Can you use an Illinois medical card in other states?

Illinois does not have medical marijuana reciprocity, which means you cannot use another state’s medical marijuana card in Illinois. However, anyone over 21 can legally purchase marijuana products in the state.

That said, other states and territories recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. All Illinois medical cannabis cards can be recognized/used in:

• Arizona
• Arkansas *
• Hawaii *
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey *
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma *
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island
• U.S. Virgin Islands *
• Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
• Washington, D.C.

*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state program.

Minor patient information

Minor patients will require a caregiver, at least one being a biological parent or legal guardian.

Minor Patient Requirements:

• A minor qualifying patient needs (2) recommendations, a Health Care Provider (HCP) Certification and a Reviewing HCP Certification.
• A qualifying patient under 18 years of age may identify up to three designated caregivers, at least one caregiver must be the biological parent or legal guardian. One caregiver is included at no charge in the medical cannabis card application for a minor.
• Minor qualifying patients do not need to submit a photo.
• Designated caregivers of registered qualifying patients under 18 years of age may only purchase medical cannabis-infused products from registered dispensing organizations; other types of medical cannabis products are not allowed.
• Minor patient medical marijuana cards are valid until they expire, REGARDLESS if the patient is 18, 19, or 20 years of age. If the patient wishes to use the current MMJ card until the expiration date, they can. If they would like an adult card, instructions can be found here