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How to get a medical card in Illinois.
1
Register online with Leafwell
It’s quick and easy! Plus all of your data and medical records are secure on our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
2
Discuss medical marijuana with your Illinois doctor
Book an appointment with a certified physician with Leafwell. This consultation fee is $199 for an examination, subject to change.
3
Receive your certificate from Leafwell
Once you’ve been approved by a physician, you’ll receive instructions for completing the Illinois state website application. In the meantime, your Leafwell physician will submit your details to the state – we recommend you wait 24-48 hours until starting the state side of the process yourself.
The application fee, payable to the state, is $50 for a 1 year card, $100 for a 2 year card or $125 for a 3 year card. The application fee and the physician’s fee (mentioned above) are separate.
4
Apply for a card with the State of Illinois
You will receive a “Provisional Letter” after 24-48 hours and the official digital card will be issued in approximately 45 days, after the state has processed your application. Please note that there are no more physical cards in Illinois – everything is now digital
The cost of renewing a medical cannabis certification in Illinois is $199. The state application fees are $50, $100 or $125 for a 1, 2 or 3 year card respectively, and this is separate from the consultation fee.
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Fast, easy application process.
Benefits of Getting an Illinois Medical Card
There are many reasons to apply for an MMJ Card if you are eligible, despite recreational cannabis being legal in Illinois:
- You save money on taxes, in some cases up to 30 percent or more difference in the cost of the same product.
- Products with a higher amount of THC are also taxed more, and medical users can save money on this, too.
- Access to more, better quality products. Medical patients also have priority when it comes to products, so qualifying patients essentially get "first dibs".
- Those who qualify for medical cannabis in Illinois can legally grow their own plants – up to 5 per household.
- Recreational users cannot grow cannabis.
When you apply for the card, patients are required to enroll on the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program (MCPP).
About Medical Marijuana in Illinois
Cannabis in Illinois is legal for recreational and medical use. It became the eleventh state to legalize recreational marijuana on January 1st 2020. However, it is still recommended to obtain a medical marijuana card if possible. Read on to find out about the many benefits.
Unlike many states, a medical cannabis recommendation Illinois generally lasts 3 years for most people. This makes getting an Illinois medical cannabis recommendation and card of immense value. You may use any dispensary in Illinois. In the past, you had to choose a specific one (usually the one closest to you). This is no longer the case.
How to qualify
To apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois you must be a legal resident of Illinois State. Patients must be aged 18 or over in order to qualify for a medical marijuana card in Illinois, or have a caregiver who can access cannabis if the patient is a minor or adult who cannot buy/grow for themselves.
Information for caregivers
- Illinois medical marijuana caregivers must be aged 21 or over.
Medical Conditions
In Illinois, the following conditions may qualify you for a medical marijuana recommendation:
- AIDS/HIV
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
- Autism/Asperger Syndrome
- Autoimmune Disorders
- Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Chiari Malformation (Arnold Chiari Malformation) and Syringomyelia
- Chronic Pain, Muscle Pain and Other Types of Pain
Possession and Growing
Here are the possession limits in Illinois:
- Illinois patients may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis over a 14-day period. Patients may apply for a waiver in order to be allowed to possess more.
- 30 g recreational as of 01/01/2020 for residents of Illinois. Non-residents may possess up to 15 g.
- Possession Limit (Concentrates): 500 mg of THC-infused products or 5 grams of concentrate for all Illinois residents, medical or not.
250 mg of THC-infused product or 2.5 grams of concentrate for non-Illinois residents as of 01/01/2020.
It is legal for a qualifying Illinois medical marijuana patient to grow up to 5 plants in their own household. This limit applies to the whole household, regardless of how many qualifying patients live there.
Caregivers
Medical Marijuana patients in Illinois can have a caregiver.
Yes, medical marijuana patients in Illinois can have a caregiver. To apply as a caregiver, follow this process:
01
Patient must get certified by a physician.
02
Caregiver must complete the following application form: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/medicalcannabis-caregiver-application-17-100316.pdf
03
You will also need to consent to give your fingerprints. You will also need to pay application fees. Don’t forget to provide a passport-style photograph as well.
04
If qualified, you will receive a caregiver’s identification card.
Reciprocity
Illinois does not have reciprocity. Therefore, the state does not recognize other states’ medical cannabis cards.
However, other states with reciprocity may recognize an Illinois MMj card as valid.
The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:
- Arizona
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- US Virgin Islands
- Utah
- Washington, D.C.
Articles
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Frequently asked questions in Illinois
- AIDS/HIV
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrohic Lateral Sclerosis aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease
- Arnold-Chiari malfrmation and syringomyelia
- Autism
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndromes types I and II (CRPS I/CRPS II)
- Crohn’s disease
- Dystonia
- Fibromyalgia
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Hepatitis C
- Hydrocephalus
- Hydromyelia syringomyelia
- Interstitial cystitis
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis (skeletal muscle weakness)
- Myoclonus
- Nail-patella syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Residual limb pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Spinal cord disease (including arachnoiditis)
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA)
- Tarlov cysts
- Terminal illness
- Tourette’s syndrome (TS)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-concussion syndrome
- Ulcerative colitis
- Create a Leafwell account using a valid email address and choosing a password. You’ll then be asked to complete a brief questionnaire of personal and health information and to either take or upload a photograph of identification (Leafwell is required by law to verify your identity). You will need a smartphone, computer, or tablet with a reliable internet connection and a working camera to be seen by a Leafwell provider.
- Next, you will be taken to the virtual waiting room where you’ll be connected Leafwell provider for a video chat (i.e., a virtual doctor’s visit). (You will receive a text message to your cell phone when the provider is ready to see you.) During the video chat, the provider will assess your health situation to determine if you qualify for a medical marijuana certification.
- If you are approved for a medical marijuana card, you’ll be sent a copy of your certificate letter via email.
- Patient must get certified by a physician.
- Caregiver must complete the following application form: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/medicalcannabis-caregiver-application-17-100316.pdf
- You will also need to consent to give your fingerprints. You will also need to pay application fees. Don’t forget to provide a passport-style photograph as well.
- If qualified, you will receive a caregiver’s identification card.
- A digital photograph (taken within the last 30 days – passport style)
- Proof of age and identity (e.g. IL driving license or state ID)
- A credit card to pay for the state application
- A Benefit Verification Letter (or DD214)
- Click here (https://etk.icts.illinois.gov/) and click on MCPP Patient Registration
- Complete the requested information and click ‘Register’
- You’ll be sent an email notification with a temporary password
- Log back in with the temporary password and you’ll be able to change it to something memorable by clicking ‘My Account’, then ‘Password’
- Click ‘+New MCPP Patient Registration’
- Complete the rest of the information required
- You can choose to get a card for 1, 2 or 3 years (your certificate from Leafwell is valid for 3 years)
- 1 year = $50, 2 years = $100, 3 years – $125
- If you need a caregiver, you can add their information under the caretaker tab (click for more detailed instructions on this process)
- Complete your personal information. Your name must match what the doctor entered. No middle names, or initials.
- Upload your proof of identity
- You can upload proof that you are eligible for reduced fees if relevant
- At the bottom of the terms and conditions, you can type your name into the box to act as a digital signature
- Click ‘Save’
- You then need to attach the Healthcare Professional Certificate
- Click on the ‘Provider Certification’ tab
- There is a blank text box. Click on the ‘+New’ button and it will open a drop down. Your certification number should be there.
- 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.
- Click on the Health Care Professional Certification Number drop-down box.
- Your certificate number will be auto-populated in the drop-down box and start with PC. Our providers aim to get your certificates uploaded within 24 hours. If the certificate does not appear within 48 hours, please contact support@leafwell.com.
- Pay for your application and finalise your application
-
You will be directed back to the “Patient Registration” tab. Your status will show “SOS Check” until the card is ready.
- 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.
- Once the state has fully processed your approval, which can take up to 45 days, you can access your digital card.
How much does an Illinois Medical Marijuana certificate and card cost?
Medical marijuana certificate on its own = $199 at Leafwell
Medical cannabis certificate for minors = $299 at Leafwell
State application fee = $100, $200, and $250 for a 1, 2 or 3- year registry card.
For persons enrolled in federal Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs, the state application costs are:
1 Year = $50
2 Years = $100
3 Years = $125
Renewal fee = $199
Plus, now you can sign up with a friend and each save 10% on your consultation with Leafwell.
What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois?
In Illinois, the following conditions may qualify you for a medical marijuana certificate and card:
What do I need to know about applying for my Medical Cannabis Card in Illinois online?
There are three simple steps to seeing a Leafwell provider in Illinois to obtain your medical marijuana card:
How old do I have to be to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois?
You must be at least 18 years of age in order to apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois. Caregivers must be over 21 years of age.
Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Illinois?
Yes, medical marijuana patients in Illinois can have a caregiver. To apply as a caregiver, follow this process:
How do I apply for the state program in Illinois?
Please note – the Illinois State website changed on 22nd June, 2021. If you notice any errors in our instructions, please do let us know at support@leafwell.com.
Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:
If applicable:
Getting Your Illinois Medical Marijuana 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.