Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Qualifying Conditions and Easy Application Instructions
DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A GUIDE, NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE OFFICIAL RULES
Alternative to Opioids Act: Rules and processes are pending. Deadline: Dec. 1.
- AIDS/HIV
- ALS
- Alzheimer's
- Arnold-Chiari Malformation
- Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Causalgia
- Crohn’s Disease
- CRPS: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I & II
- Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Dystonia
- Fibromyalgia
- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Hydrocephalus
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Myoclonus
- Nail-Patella Syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Residual Limb Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Seizures including Epilepsy
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Terminal Illness
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Spinal Cord Disease, including but not limited to:
- Arachnoiditis
- Tarlov Cysts
- Hydromyelia
- Syringomyelia
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia
Easy Application Instructions
STEP 1: Complete an Application
Terminal Illness Application:
Any patient with a terminal diagnosis (less than 6 months life expectancy) for ANY illness regardless of list of qualifying conditions has an expedited application with no fees and no fingerprinting for both the patient and their caregiver. Use this application: Terminal Illness Application Form
Use regular mail. Do not use registered or other confirmation.
For all other applicants:
Print this form and take it to the doctor: Physician Written Certification Form If the doctor won’t sign the certification try: https://ilcannabismd.com . The complete physician certification form is given back to the patient and added to all other document requirements.
Veterans receiving ongoing care for a qualifying condition at the VA can bypass the physician certification by submitting the most recent 12 months of VA health records AND a DD214 (proof of service form with Honorable Discharge). Download digital files at myhealth.va.gov Application fee for Veterans is 50% off.
Application Instructions for Minors:
Application for Minors: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/sites/default/files/forms/formsohpmcannabis-under-18-patient-application-120116.pdf
Reviewing Physician Certification for Minors: Minors: Reviewing Physician Certification Form
STEP 2: Have Your Physician Complete the Physician Certification Form
The Physician Certification is valid for 90 days from the date of the in-person medical examination. The complete physician certification form is given back to the patient and added to all other document requirements.
STEP 3: Gather Support Documentation
After the physician completes the physician certification, gather these required documents for both the patient and their caregiver*:
- Driver's license or state ID
- Proof of residence: such as a recent utility bill, bank statement or medical bill w/ the patient's (caregiver's) name and address matching the other ID (DL or State ID)
- 2x2 photo: Like a passport photo. Head and neck only, no sunglasses, plain (white) background.
* NOTE: A caregiver is optional. A caregiver (usually a family member or friend) applies for a card at the same time as the patient and is allowed to purchase medical cannabis on behalf of the patient. Both the patient and caregiver can purchase medical cannabis.
The patient may apply by creating an account at this website:
https://medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov
Using the online application will require the ability to photo or scan the documents to a file, then upload into the online application.
The patient may print and mail the application with these links:
Use regular mail. Do not use registered or other confirmation.
Patient Application:
Caregiver Application:
Caregiver Instructions:
The Fees
Choose a 1, 2 or 3-year card.
Patients: $100/$200/$250 (50% off for Veterans, SSDI and SSI)
Caregiver: $25/$50/$75
If the patient is on Disability or Supplemental Security Income, a current statement of benefits (available at www.socialsecurity.gov) is required to receive the 50% discount on the application fee. This document also fulfills the proof of residence requirement. If the patient is a Veteran, a DD214 with honorable discharge is required to receive the 50% discount on the application fee.
On your application, designate your medical cannabis card to one dispensary (a dispensary is the store where medical cannabis is purchased). You may visit any dispensary in Illinois, but you can only purchase at one designated dispensary.
This is a link to a map of currently open dispensaries: Dispensary Map
You can change your dispensary designation for free anytime by using this document:
Medical Cannabis Dispensary Selection
This link is the Illinois Department of Public Health info for the medical cannabis program and can provide many forms and information: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis
When the complete application(s) is submitted, it may take 65-90 days to receive your card.