Apply for Your Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya on February 26, 2024
Welcome to the best guide on applying for your medical marijuana card in Illinois!
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- How do I apply for a medical card in Illinois?
- What should I know about the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP)?
- What are the Illinois medical cannabis rules?
We have sourced all the information on this page from the official Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s proceed.
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How to Complete Your Illinois Medical Card Application Online
There are two steps to complete when you apply for a medical card in Illinois:
1. Get certified by a cannabis doctor in Illinois.
2. Complete the Illinois medical card application on the state portal.
The Illinois medical card application process is quick and easy. All you need to do is prepare and submit your paperwork online!
It is worth noting that you can only submit your application for a medical marijuana card online. The state no longer processes paper applications. But that’s a good thing! It means you can apply for your medical card from anywhere in Illinois.
Also, you do not need an in-person appointment with a cannabis doctor in Illinois to get certified. Quick Med Cards connects patients to expert physicians via video call. And it only takes 15 minutes (or less) to get approved for medical cannabis treatment.
Are you ready? Let’s begin.
Step 1: Get Certified by a Cannabis Doctor in Illinois
With Quick Med Cards, you can get certified by a licensed cannabis doctor in Illinois. It’s the first step of your application and it’s very straightforward! To obtain this certification:
1. Sign up with Quick Med Cards.
2. Book your online appointment.
3. Video call with our doctor.
4. Get your certification.
Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready
Make sure you submit all required paperwork during your online application to avoid any delays. The following documents will be needed when applying online:
1. Physician recommendation form.
2. A clear-color full-face photograph.
3. Proof of Illinois residency.
4. Proof of Identity.
Step 3: Register with the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program
Good work so far! Now you need to register with the MCPP. Creating an account with the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP) is easy. To begin:
1. Visit the MCPP portal.
2. Select MCPP Patient Registration.
3. Enter the required information and click Register.
4. Check your email for the temporary password.
5. Log into your account and change your password.
Step 4: Submit Your Illinois Medical Card Application
You’re almost done with your application. Just follow these steps and you’ll be good in no time! Just follow the steps below:
1. Log into your Illinois MCPP account.
2. Click + New MCPP Patient Registration.
3. Choose how long you would like your Illinois cannabis card to last.
* You have the option of one, two, or three-year card validity.
4. Proceed to the Patient Information section next. Enter your details and upload any documents.
5. Finally, you will need to add the health care provider certification. (The marijuana certification you got after your appointment with our IL cannabis doctor).
How to Pay for Your Illinois Medical Marijuana Card
Here’s how you can check the status of your OMMA application after submitting it:
1. Click + New to submit your payment.
2. Select Click Here to Pay and enter your payment information.
You can pay for your Illinois medical card through a debit or credit card.
That’s all! That is how you apply and pay for the Illinois medical marijuana card.
How to Download Your Illinois Medical Marijuana Card
You won’t be able to enjoy the benefits of treatment until you get your medical card. After filling out an application and paying for it, the MCPP will review your application with care. The MCPP will send you an email if they need more information to process your application.
Once you’ve been approved, here’s how you can download your Illinois MCPP registry card:
1. Sign in to the MCPP Portal with your username and password.
2. Select the Tracking Inbox tab to check the status of your application.
3. You can print your Provisional Letter if your Medical Card is unavailable.
4. Select Print Card to download or print your IL medical card.
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Other Types of Online Medical Marijuana Applications in Illinois
We’ve covered how to apply for the Illinois medical marijuana card online as an adult living in Illinois. But other groups can apply for access to medical marijuana. For example, out-of-state patients, minors, and caregivers. Let us have a look.
How to Apply as a Minor Patient
In Illinois, minors diagnosed with a qualifying condition may access medical cannabis. But children cannot apply for a medical marijuana card on their own. Instead, their parents or legal guardians must register on their behalf. Also, the parent/guardian must register as a caregiver during the application.
The steps below will guide you on how to apply for a medical card for patients below 18 years of age:
1. Log into or create your Illinois MCPP account.
2. Click + New MCPP Patient Registration.
3. Next, choose, I am applying on behalf of my minor child.
4. Proceed to the Patient Information section next. Enter the minor’s details and upload any documents. Additionally, ensure you upload a copy of the minor’s birth certificate.
5. The next step is to register as the minor’s caregiver. Proceed to the MCPP Patient Caregiver tab and select + New to start your application.
- Fill out all the necessary information in the Caregiver Information section. Also, upload the required documents.
- During this step, remember to download, complete, then upload the caregiver attestation form.
- Complete the caregiver registration by clicking Save.
6. The next phase involves adding a healthcare provider certification. Click the Provide Certification tab to progress. It is worth noting that minors need two marijuana certifications. And each should come from a different practitioner.
7. Finally, pay for the minor patient’s medical card. Proceed to the Payment tab, select + New, and make the payment. Also important, the MCPP does not charge parents/ legal guardians for the caregiver card.
How to Apply as a Caregiver in Illinois
Illinois cannabis caregivers help patients with valid medical cards buy and use medicinal cannabis. But to do so, they must first complete a caregiver application.
Before applying as a caregiver, you should take note of the following:
- Your patient must have a valid Illinois medical marijuana card.
- The cardholder must state that they need a caregiver in their application.
Also, it is worth noting that the Illinois caregiver application happens on your patient’s MCPP portal.
To complete the caregiver application, ask your patient to complete the following steps:
1. Log into your account and click the MCPP Patient Caregiver tab.
2. Next, click + New to begin the caregiver application.
3. Fill in the Caregiver Information section. Also, upload any required documents.
4. Next, download the Caregiver Attestation Form and have your caregiver fill it out and sign it.
5. After your caregiver fills out and signs the form, upload it, and click the Save button.
6. Afterward, you will land on the payment page. The IL caregiver card costs $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years.
7. After the payment, you will get an email notifying you of your Caregiver Application Status. And you’re done!
About the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP)
Illinois legalized medical cannabis in 2014 through the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.
In 2019, the state made the program permanent. As a result, it became the 20th state in the U.S. to lawfully create a medical cannabis program: the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP).
The MCPP issues medical cards to patients diagnosed with qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Illinois. And it registers medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.
The MCPP Illinois, overseen by the Department of Public Health, gets credit for improving the lives of many residents of the Prairie State.
But, like any developing cannabis program, the MCPP Illinois did have some teething problems. Some were legislative. For instance, patients had to pick a specific dispensary to buy their medicine–an inconvenience for many cardholders. But today, patients can buy their MMJ from any licensed dispensary in IL.
Some problems were technological. For example, there was a time when the MCPP portal crashed for weeks.
Regardless, the MCPP Illinois has made positive strides in recent times. One example is that patients in Illinois can apply for their medical cards online thanks to the upgraded system. Now, cannabis doctors in Illinois can approve patients for medical marijuana online as well.
Illinois Medical Cannabis Rules
Having an Illinois medical card has many benefits. But you should follow the Illinois medical cannabis rules to keep enjoying the privileges of your medical marijuana card. For instance:
- You must inform the Department if you change your address within ten (10) days after the change occurs.
- Do not consume cannabis in a school bus, on the grounds of any preschool, primary, or secondary school.
- Do not smoke medical cannabis in a public place in the view of others. Or in any place where the Smoke-Free Illinois Act prohibits smoking.
- Do not operate any vehicle, plane, or motorboat while under the influence of cannabis.
- You cannot give or sell your medical cannabis to any other person.
- You must follow the Illinois cannabis limits.
Cannabis Limits in Illinois
Marijuana is available to both recreational and medical users. But users must stick to the Illinois cannabis limits to avoid run-ins with law enforcement. Also, only adults aged 21 and older can buy, possess, and consume recreational cannabis. But both minors and adults with valid Illinois medical cards can get MMJ.
Below are the cannabis limits for different groups according to the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Illinois recreational limits:
- A maximum of 30 grams (1 ounce) of cannabis flower.
- Five (5) grams of cannabis concentrate.
- At most, 500 mg of THC in a cannabis-infused product.
Illinois out-of-state limits (For non-residents of Illinois aged 21 or older):
- 15 grams of cannabis flower
- 2.5 grams of cannabis concentrate
- 250 milligrams of THC contained in a cannabis-infused product
The cannabis limits in Illinois for medicinal users are higher:
- Cardholders can buy up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis every 14 days. And a cannabis doctor can waive this limit.
- Also, medical marijuana users can grow up to five (5) marijuana plants on their property. Recreational users cannot grow marijuana in their homes or on their premises.
Key Highlights
- Illinois launched the Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP) in 2019.
- An Illinois cannabis doctor must certify you for MMJ, and you must register on the MCPP portal to get your medical marijuana card.
- The state fee for the Illinois medical card is $50.
- Your Illinois medical card lets you buy up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis every 14 days.
Do You Have Questions about Applying for a Medical Card in Illinois?
Do you still have questions about applying for the Illinois medical card? Find the answers below.
How do I get an Illinois medical card?
You can get an Illinois medical card in two steps:
1. Get a marijuana certification from a licensed cannabis doctor in Illinois.
2. Complete your Illinois medical card application on the MCPP portal.
It is worth noting that Illinois no longer accepts paper applications. Instead, patients should apply for a medical card online. Also, you don’t have to go to the physician’s office to get certified. With Quick Med Cards, you can get certified in under 15 minutes over a video call. Book your appointment with a cannabis doctor in Illinois and get your medical card today.
Can you get a medical card online in Illinois?
Yes. In fact, Illinois only accepts online applications for its medical marijuana cards.
Also, Illinois no longer issues physical med cards. So, you will have to download it from your MCPP account after approval. And yes, Illinois dispensaries are aware of this change. So, you can buy your medicine with a digital copy of your medical card.
How much is a med card in Illinois?
How much you pay for a med card in Illinois depends on how long you would like your card to be valid before you can renew it.
A med card costs:
- $50 for a year
- $100 for two years
- $125 for three years
However, if you qualify for the reduced fee, you pay $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years.
Besides the payment to the state, you must also consider the cost of getting certified. It usually costs around $200. But with Quick Med Cards, you get the convenience of a quick and cheap certification. You can expect to pay between $45 to $149 for your appointment which includes the signed certificate.
Are edibles legal in Illinois?
Yes, edibles are legal in Illinois.
Both recreational and medicinal users can purchase them from state dispensaries. Various edibles available in Illinois include gummies, cannabis-infused chocolate, mints, and marijuana-infused drinks. Besides edibles, residents can buy concentrates, flower, vape cartridges, extracts, tinctures, and topicals.
Can Illinois medical patients go to any dispensary?
Yes. You can visit and buy cannabis from any dispensary you choose in Illinois.
A few years back, patients could only buy cannabis from their nominated dispensary. And they had to submit a dispensary change request to buy from another. This previous rule aimed to keep patients within the cannabis purchase limits. But it proved very inefficient and restrictive. Today, patients are free to buy their medicine from any dispensary in the state.
Can you go to multiple dispensaries in one day in Illinois?
Yes, you can make purchases from multiple dispensaries in Illinois on the same day. But you cannot exceed your purchase limits.
Can any doctor prescribe medical cannabis in Illinois?
No. A regular physician cannot prescribe medical cannabis in Illinois.
Federal law classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance. As a result, doctors in Illinois cannot give you a prescription for medical marijuana. However, you can speak to a licensed cannabis doctor in Illinois who can write you a recommendation for cannabis treatment. This recommendation works the same way as a standard prescription, except you can only get your medicine from a dispensary instead of a pharmacy.
Is it hard to get a medical card in Illinois?
No. Fortunately, getting a medical card in Illinois is not hard.
The process is pretty straightforward from beginning to end. And you can complete the entire Illinois medical card application online. That means you can apply for your medical card regardless of your location or ability to leave your house. Also, thanks to telemedicine, you don’t need to travel to the doctor’s office to get certified for medical cannabis either. A cannabis doctor can approve you for MMJ from the comfort of your home. Schedule your appointment and get certified in minutes with Quick Med Cards.
Patient Resources and Forms
How to Contact the Illinois Medical Cannabis Registry
State Agency: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Phone: 1-855-636-3688
(Medical Cannabis Program Representatives are available every weekday from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Medical Cannabis Program Email: DPH.medicalcannabis@illinois.gov
Opioid Alternative Pilot Program Email: DPH.OAPP@illinois.gov
Website: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis.html