Medical Marijuana Illinois Frequently Asked Questions

Once you complete your application for your medical marijuana card, the process moves fairly quickly. If you are approved, you should receive your temporary card in less than 24 hours. 

Renewing your medical card in Illinois is fairly easy. The Illinois Department of Public Health will mail you a letter shortly before your medical card is due to expire. Once you’ve received the letter, you can apply for the renewal online through the patient portal. The fee is $100 for a one-year renewal. 

You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a medical marijuana card on your own. However, those under the age of 18 can get a medical marijuana card with the help of a parent or guardian. 

For children with serious conditions like cancer, medical marijuana is an option in Illinois. Parents or legal guardians who are over the age of 21 can apply for a medical marijuana card on their child’s behalf. In order for children to get a medical marijuana card, they must have a certification from two physicians. You’ll receive a caregiver’s card while your child will also receive their own medical marijuana card. You can use your caregiver’s card to shop at your designated medical dispensary for your child. 

There are a few other states that will accept a medical marijuana card from Illinois. These are Arkansas, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington DC. There are many other states that have legalized marijuana for recreational purchases and will allow you to buy it while you are visiting. Illinois does not currently accept medical cards from other states, but does allow non-residents to purchase small amounts of cannabis. 

When submitting an application for a medical marijuana card, you’ll first need to create a username and password through Illinois’ online portal. Then, you’ll fill out an online application, where you’ll need to provide proof of identification, residence, physician certification, and age. Then, your application will be quickly reviewed, and if you are approved, you will be sent your temporary card within 24 hours. 

The Opioid Alternative Pilot Program was launched in Illinois in 2019 to minimize the potential for opioid addiction. The OAPP allows people who could receive a prescription for opioids to instead obtain a medical marijuana card. 

The short answer is yes. Illinois allows veterans to get medical cards, whether they get their healthcare through the VA or through a separate provider. Those who get healthcare through the VA can submit proof that they have had at least 12 months of treatment from the VA in lieu of a physician certification. Some veterans may also be eligible for reduced application fees. 

Illinois allows caregivers for certain types of medical marijuana patients. These include children as well as people with some terminal illnesses and some veterans. Caregivers in Illinois must be over the age of 21. 

There aren’t currently any income restrictions for medical marijuana cards in Illinois. However, there are some people that can qualify for reduced application fees, such as veterans.

You can find more IL medical cannabis FAQs by clicking here. 
Do you live in Peoria, Hoffman Estates, Burr Ridge, or St. Charles, Illinois? We have all IL MMJ resources for you.