Illinois Medical Marijuana Card
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Medical Marijuana Card Benefits
After you learn how to get a medical marijuana card in Illinois, you’ll realize that there are many benefits to getting one. Marijuana has many benefits for your physical and mental health. For those that struggle with chronic conditions, having regular access to marijuana can help them maintain a healthy work routine and social life.
Having a medical marijuana card can also help you save money in the long run. While the Illinois medical marijuana application does cost money, you won’t have to pay the same high tax rate that you would to purchase cannabis for recreational use. You’ll also have access to different products, as there are some brands that are specifically marketed to medical marijuana patients.
Finally, you’ll also be able to purchase larger quantities of marijuana. Illinois medical marijuana laws allow you to purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks.
Getting Your Medical Marijuana In Illinois
How To Get Medical Marijuana In Illinois
Getting your medical marijuana card in Illinois comes with many benefits. Once you have your medical card, it makes it much easier to get the cannabis products you need to live a healthy and comfortable lifestyle. Here’s what you need to know before starting your Illinois medical marijuana card application, and how to get a medical cannabis card in Illinois.
How do I apply for a medical marijuana card in Illinois? Since Illinois legalized marijuana in 2019, it has been much easier to access the cannabis products you need. Medical marijuana laws in Illinois are consistently evolving as activists are working to make it more accessible to those who need it.
However, if you are looking to purchase marijuana for medical purposes, it’s still in your best interest to get a medical marijuana card. Getting this card can save you a huge amount of money in the long run, because it reduces the amount of taxes you’ll pay for each product.
To get a medical card, you’ll need to have one of several qualifying conditions for medical marijuana in Illinois and get approval from a physician. The application can be completed online, and once you have it, you’ll be able to buy products from medical marijuana dispensaries.
Illinois Medical Card Requirements
The Illinois medical marijuana card requirements are fairly simple, but it’s important to understand them before applying. You’ll need to be over the age of 18, although parents can apply for their children in some cases.
If you are an active duty member of law enforcement, a firefighter, or hold a Commercial Driver’s License you will not be able to get your Illinois medical card. You will also need to have one of Illinois’ qualifying medical conditions, and you will also need to get approval from a physician.
When completing the application, you’ll need to provide proof of Illinois residency, age, and identity, and pay the application fee. You’ll also need to submit a photo, which goes on your medical marijuana card once it is approved.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Many people wonder how to qualify for medical marijuana in Illinois and what specific conditions are approved. There is a very long list of conditions that can qualify you for a medical marijuana card in Illinois. Some of the most notable include chronic pain, cancer, anorexia nervosa, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and epilepsy, just to name a few.
Since the list of qualifying medical conditions for a medical marijuana card in Chicago is so long, it’s worth discussing your options with a doctor if you’ve been wondering – do I qualify for a medical card in Illinois?
How Much Does It Cost To Get A Medical Card in Illinois?
In order to get your Illinois medical marijuanas card, you’ll need to pay an application fee. The application fee varies depending on how long you want your medical card to last. The cost of a medical marijuana card in Illinois is $50 for one year, $100 for two years, and $125 for three years. You also may need to pay a fee for a consultation with a physician.
At Elevate Holistics, we offer online HIPAA-compliant consultations with medical marijuana doctors for $125.
Can I get a card for my child?
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.
How old do I have to be to apply?
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.
How To Apply For An Illinois Medical Marijuana Card
If you’re wondering how to get a medical marijuana card in Illinois, you have a few different options. You can opt to print out the forms on the Illinois Department of Public Health website, fill them out, and mail them.
However, the most efficient way to apply is to do so online through the Medical Cannabis Patients Portal. At Elevate Holistics, our team can walk you through the application process to help you get your medical card quickly.
How does the online evaluation process work?
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.
What happens once I apply?
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.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Medical Card In Illinois?
How long does it take to get your medical card in Illinois? Luckily, the process is fairly quick. You’ll receive a temporary version of your medical card within 24 hours, which you can use at dispensaries. Your official medical card should come in the mail within four to six weeks, and will last for the period of time you specified in your application (up to three years).
Can I apply if I am a veteran?
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.
How do I renew my Illinois medical card?
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.
Is my medical marijuana card valid in other states?
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.
Medical Marijuana Laws In Illinois
Illinois medical marijuana conditions and laws are fairly standard when compared to the rest of the country. To purchase larger quantities of marijuana with the reduced medical tax rate, you’ll need to have your medical marijuana card.
If you have a medical card, you can only purchase from your chosen dispensary, although you can change this at any point online through the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Read more about Illinois medical cannabis laws our State Law page.
Possession Limits For Illinois Patients
As previously mentioned, Illinois medical marijuana patients can purchase 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days. This is the maximum amount that medical users can possess at one time. Doctors can recommend higher possession limits for patients if necessary. Possession limits for medical marijuana patients are much higher than they are for recreational users, and patients cannot give away their medical cannabis.
Medical patients are legally allowed to cultivate cannabis at home in Illinois, too! You can find out more about at-home cultivation in IL in our blog post!
What is the Opioid Alternative Program in Illinois?
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.
Can I be/have a caregiver in Illinois?
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.
What is the income limit for a medical marijuana card in Illinois?
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.
