Illinois Medical Marijuana Laws
Illinois Department of Health & Human Services
Medical Cannabis Patient Program
The Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP) is a statewide program that allows qualified patients access to medical cannabis. Management of the program is handled by the Illinois Department of Public Health, and this Department reviews, processes, and issues Medical Cannabis Registry Cards. To be eligible to apply for a registry card, patients must have their qualifying debilitating medical condition certified by a certified health care professional which includes physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice cannabis nurses. To certify a patient’s debilitating medical condition, among other requirements, a certified physician must have a physician-patient relationship with the patient, complete an in-person assessment of the medical history of the patient and current medical condition, and administer a physical examination. Many MJ doctors offer telemedicine options, so you may want to check if this is an option with your physician. The physician must complete and sign the physician written verification form and provide the original form to the patient, as the patient must scan to PDF and upload this original document to the MCPP when applying for a registry card.
Due to COVID-19, telemedicine is allowed in Illinois for renewals only. If interested in telemedicine, contact your MMJ doctor to determine if this is a possibility.
After the physician certifies the debilitating medical condition, you may apply for a Medical Cannabis Registry Card. Currently, MJ patients who apply online for a Medical Cannabis Registry card, will receive provisional (temporary) access within 24 hours of application to a licensed dispensary. Provisional registration cards are valid for up to 90 days. This provisional registry card option is not available if you submit your application via snail mail. Partnering with Illinois certified local health departments, the Illinois Department of Public Health offers, in conjunction with these certified local departments of health, free help to those who need assistance with the marijuana registry application process. There is no charge for the service; however, you are responsible for costs associated with registration fees and other fees related to submission requirements. If you plan to visit a licensed Illinois dispensary after you’ve submitted your application online, you’ll want to check with the cannabis dispensary you select before going there to ensure your provisional mj registration card has been activated. Qualifying patients and caregivers may apply for a one, two, or three-year marijuana registry identification card.
Caregivers can assist with the use of medical cannabis; however, they must have a valid MJ registry identification card to enter a cannabis dispensary with or without the medical marijuana patient. When the MMJ patient applies for a registry card, he or she may designate a caregiver. A Designated Caregiver Application must be submitted with your application along with the required documents.
Find a licensed marijuana doctor nearby to get your recommendation for a medical marijuana card.
Marijuana DoctorsMedicinal marijuana and low-THC cannabis products are available in Illinois for qualified patients. In many states, legal marijuana products include tinctures, CBD oil, capsules, vape products, flower, and edibles to name a few.
Find Illinois Medical Marijuana Use Registry User Information. These include general FAQs, approved medical conditions, steps to take to participate in the Illinois MCPP program as a patient, and application and medical marijuana renewal information.
Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program