Illinois Marijuana Information
Dispensaries | Quick FAQ
In 2013, Illinois legalized the use of medical marijuana for patients who have been diagnosed with a debilitating illness through the passage of the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. The program was set to expire in 2018, but in July, 2016, the Governor signed legislation to extend Illinois’ medical marijuana program to 2020. This recent extension also expanded the definition of qualifying medical conditions to include post-traumatic stress.
Other changes included lengthening the lifespan of the Illinois-issued registration cards from one year to three years; and, changing the requirement that cannabis therapy must explicitly be ordered by one’s physician as a method of treatment. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is preparing rules to add new conditions to the program and will soon make new application forms available to the public. For the latest update and new forms, contact IDPH.
In addition, the new extended law now only requires that physicians certify that a bona fide relationship between doctor and patient exists, and that the patient is affected by a qualifying, debilitating medical ailment.
The following medical conditions qualify one under the State of Illinois’ Medical Marijuana Law: Medical Conditions Approved Under State Marijuana Law
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Chrohn’s disease
- agitation of Alzeimeer’s disease
- Cacchexia/wasting syndrome
- Muscular dystrophy
- Severe fibromyalgia
- spinal cord disease
- Tarloc cysts
- Hydromyelia syringomyelia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injury and post concussion syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis
- Arnold-Chiari malformation and Syringomelia
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA)
- Parkinson’s Disease,
- Tourette Syndrome,
- Myoclonus,
- Dystonia
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- RSD (Complex Regional Pain Syndromes Type I)
- Causalgia, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II)
- Neurofibromatosis
- Chronic inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Lupus
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Hydrocephalus
- nail-patella syndrome or residual limb pain; or the treatment of these conditions
- Seizures, including those related to epilepsy, effective January 01, 2015
The effort to decriminalize marijuana in the State of Illinois has recently cleared a couple of hurdles. In May, 2016, Illinois House members voted 64-to- 50 to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, following the footsteps of the State Senate’s 44-to- 12 vote supporting the measure to ease penalties for possession. The recently approved measure makes possession for up to 10 grams a civil violation with a fine of $100-$200, with no arrest and no criminal record, instead of the current possible six months of jail time and potentially up to $1,500 in fines. The law is now on the desk of Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner for his signature.
Until the Governor signs the new law, the current Illinois prohibition against the possession of recreation marijuana still stands. Anyone caught possessing recreational marijuana (2.5 grams or less) faces a misdemeanor charge with up to 30 days of jail time and up to $1,500 in fines. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Illinois Cannabis Lawyers page for help!
Illinois Marijuana Dispensaries
Illinois FAQ
Is Marijuana legal in Illinois?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal for those with qualifying debilitating medical conditions and for those suffering from post-traumatic stress. Recreation marijuana use, however, is still illegal.
Can I get my Medical Card if I am not an Illinois resident?
No, you cannot get your medical marijuana card if you are not an Illinois resident, nor will Illinois dispensaries honor patients with out of state medical marijuana cards.
Where can I buy it?
Since 2014, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) embarked upon a Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. According to the IDPH, “applicants should first discuss the use of medical cannabis with their physician before beginning an application. All applicants, except for Veterans receiving care at a VA facility, must have their physician submit a written certification for the use of medical cannabis.” Check here for specific steps to make for the application process.
Registered qualified medical cannabis patients must first select an approved medical dispensary for all purchases. Click here for the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Selection Form.
What do you need to purchase medical cannabis in an approved medical dispensary?
According to the IDPH, “applicants should first discuss the use of medical cannabis with their physician before beginning an application. All applicants, except for Veterans receiving care at a VA facility, must have their physician submit a written certification for the use of medical cannabis.”
What types of marijuana will the stores sell?
Work with your physician in identifying the appropriate course of treatment. After you’ve determined the best fit for your needs, you will need to submit the Medical Cannabis Dispensary Selection Form which can be found here.
How much will it cost?
The price of marijuana depends on strain and quality, but you can expect marijuana prices to be between $8 and $30 per gram.
How much Marijuana can I have?
Medical marijuana patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in a 14-day period.
Can I take my purchase home if I live in another state or country?
No. All medical marijuana purchased in Illinois must be consumed in Illinois. Carrying marijuana across state lines violates federal law.
Where can I consume my recent purchase?
Legally, you can only consume medical marijuana while on private property.
If marijuana is legalized can I still get in trouble?
Yes. You can always get in trouble at the federal level until marijuana is rescheduled, but as long as you follow the laws for medical marijuana at this time in Illinois, local authorities will not have any issues with you. If you find yourself in a pinch with the law, check out our Illinois Cannabis Lawyers page for help!
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Nothing on this website should be considered legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. Please respect the current state of Marijuana law in your area.
