To get a medical marijuana card in Illinois, follow these key steps:
- Meet with a licensed Illinois doctor who can evaluate your condition and provide a Physician Written Certification Form if you qualify for medical marijuana use based on Illinois' qualifying conditions.
- Create an account and apply online through the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patients Registry Program (paper applications are no longer accepted for adults). Upload required documents including a recent passport-style photo, proof of Illinois residency, and a government-issued ID.
- Pay the application fee which ranges from $50 to $125 depending on whether you want a card for 1, 2, or 3 years. Reduced fees apply for veterans and those on disability income.
- After approval, receive a provisional medical marijuana card electronically, followed by the official card in the mail.
Additional notes:
- Minors require a parent or caregiver to apply and submit extra certification forms by mail.
- Veterans receiving VA healthcare can qualify with VA medical records and may not need a standard physician certification.
- The medical marijuana card enables legal purchase of cannabis for specific medical conditions listed by the state.
This process must be completed through the official Illinois Department of Public Health Medical Cannabis Patient Registry online system.
