Medical cannabis was passed into law in 2013 by the State General Assembly. The bill known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act was then signed into law by the authority of Governor Patrick Quinn in August, with the program coming online January 1, 2014.
The state followed up with additional growth for the medical market, including adding opioid replacement as a qualifying condition. Other medical conditions added to the list range from autism to a variety of eating disorders.
The state took further progressive measures towards cannabis access in recent years. Efforts include decriminalization of up to 10 grams of cannabis in 2016. This was followed up by adult use reform passing in 2019 and beginning New Year’s Day 2020.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, state laws stipulated that medical cannabis patients received priority, ensuring they receive medicine during the global ordeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Medical Marijuana in Illinois
Does Illinois have a list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana?
Yes. Here is the list in full:
- Autism
- Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Arnold-Chiari malformation
- Cancer
- Cachexia/wasting syndrome
- Causalgia
- Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- Chronic pain
- Crohn's disease
- CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome Type II)
- Dystonia
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Hydrocephalus
- Hydromeyelia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Interstitial cystitis
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraines
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Myclonus
- Neuro-Bechet’s autoimmune disease
- Nail-patella syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson's disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Residual limb pain
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Severe fibromyalgia
- Seizures (including those characteristic of Epilepsy)
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Spinal cord disease (including but not limited to arachnoiditis)
- Spinal cord injury is damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
- Spinocerebellar ataxia
- Syringomyelia
- Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
- Tarlov cysts
- Tourette syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Ulcerative colitis
How long does my Illinois medical marijuana certification last for?
Approved patients receive an ID valid for one year. Applicants must start their renewal process at least 45 days before their expiration date to avoid any lapses in coverage.
How much does my Illinois medical marijuana certification cost?
Application fees vary, depending on if a one-, two-, or three-year application fee is sought. The state also offers reduced application fees for patients. Meanwhile, caregivers face similar payment structures but at a lower rate.
How long does it take for Illinois to process my application?
The state Department of Public Health has up to 30 business days to review an application. If approved, the DPH has 15 business days to issue the patient their ID.
What types of products are available in Illinois?
Illinois allows patients to purchase and use flower, pills, edibles, concentrates, tinctures and oils.
Is a medical marijuana card necessary in Illinois?
The state does allow adult use purchases, which negates the need for an ID in some cases. That said, approved license holders receive a range of benefits, including reduced sales tax, access to higher potency products, home cultivation, and priority over adult use purchasers.
Do I have to be a resident of Illinois to join the medical marijuana program?
Yes, a proof of residency is required in the application.
Can I smoke marijuana in public in Illinois?
No. Public consumption is still prohibited. Patients are suggested to consume in the privacy of their own home.
Can I grow my own marijuana in Illinois?
Active license holders and caregivers can grow up to five plants for personal use.
Can I purchase cannabis in Illinois with a card from another state?
No. Illinois does not offer reciprocity to patients from other states.
