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Why Get a Medical Card? | Qualifying Conditions | Costs & Renewal | Purchase Limits | Step-by-Step Process | Mission Perks | FAQs
Interested in accessing lower taxes, higher purchase limits, and priority access? If you’ve been putting off getting an Illinois medical marijuana card, getting one may be easier than you think. Plus, Illinois residents who qualify can expect significant savings over the long run.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process—from eligibility and costs to application steps and patient perks—so you can make an informed decision.
The major reason many patients apply for an Illinois medical card is for wellness and potentially therapeutic effects. It can also be another option besides pharmaceuticals or other synthetic drugs. But the benefits of holding a valid Illinois medical cannabis card go far beyond symptom relief. Once certified, you may access:
For many Illinois residents, the long-term savings and added access make applying for a medical card well worth it.
If you live in Illinois and are affected by one or more qualifying medical conditions, you’re eligible to apply for an Illinois medical cannabis card under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act. Common examples include:
For the most up-to-date list of qualifying conditions, visit Illinois’s complete list of qualifying medical conditions.
Applying for an Illinois medical cannabis card does come with a cost. There are two fees associated with it: the application charge (paid to the state) and the cost of medical certification. In Illinois, the cost of a medical cannabis card is dependent on duration:
The medical provider certification typically ranges between $100 – $350, depending on the provider. You’ll need to renew your certification with a licensed healthcare provider every three years or upon expiration of your card.
For recreational cannabis, the purchase limits are 30 grams (approximately one ounce) of cannabis flower, 500 mg of THC in a cannabis-infused product, and 5 grams of a cannabis concentrate. By comparison, for those who hold valid medical cards, the limit is 2.5 ounces every 14 days.
If you’re ready to access medical cannabis in Illinois, the process is easy. Through our partnership with Leafwell, you can connect with a licensed provider online for fast, secure certification, then submit your application directly to the state. Here’s the step-by-step and what to expect when applying for an Illinois medical cannabis card:
Once your health care provider has completed your patient certification, the next step is to create your own patient profile. After your patient information is added, you’ll complete the registration yourself. Be sure to fill out all sections of the form.
Once the application is complete, you’ll finalize the process by submitting the aforementioned payment to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Once your application has been submitted, the IDPH must review it within 30 days. If your application is approved, your Illinois medical cannabis card must be issued to you within 15 days.
At Mission, we’re proud to support Illinois medical cannabis patients with personalized care and meaningful savings. To welcome new cardholders, we offer 20% off your first medical purchase at our South Chicago dispensary, serving both recreational shoppers and medical patients.
As part of our commitment to ongoing value, we also invite you to join the Dank Account rewards program. Every dollar you spend earns points that can be redeemed for savings on future purchases—just our way of saying thank you for being part of the Mission community.
Most importantly, we know that cannabis medicine can be most effective when you know you’ve got valid, authoritative, and trustworthy guidance. Whether you’re new to cannabis or managing ongoing symptoms, our staff will help guide you through products that may fit your needs, preferences, and goals. We’re here to make your experience safe, informed, and supportive from the moment you walk through the door.
What do I need to know about how to get a medical card in Illinois?
Though an Illinois medical marijuana card requires a state fee and a licensed healthcare provider’s certification (plus any applicable fees this incurs), it entitles you to a significantly lower tax rate, priority access at licensed medical dispensaries, and the option to grow your own cannabis at home.
How do I apply for a medical card in Illinois?
To get an Illinois medical card, a healthcare provider will need to certify that you have one or more qualifying conditions. If you do, you’ll create a patient profile, pay the state-mandated fee, and wait for your card to arrive. You can get started quickly and easily at Leafwell.
What is the Illinois medical card application process?
The process includes provider certification, online application submission, and state review. The IDPH must approve your application within 30 days.
What medical conditions qualify in Illinois?
Conditions like PTSD, chronic pain, cancer, and Crohn’s disease qualify. See the full list of qualifying conditions here.
How long does it take to get approved for an Illinois medical marijuana card?
Once you’ve been certified by a licensed healthcare provider and your application has been submitted, the IDPH must review it within 30 days. If it’s approved, they’ll issue your Illinois medical cannabis card within 15 days.
Can I grow cannabis with an Illinois medical card?
Yes! Illinois patients are allowed to grow their own cannabis, a perk that’s not available to recreational consumers. Under state law, registered medical cannabis patients may grow up to five cannabis plants at home.
Why get a medical card if recreational is legal in Illinois?
There are several advantages to having a valid medical card. Illinois patients who’ve registered with the state enjoy lower taxes, priority access, enhanced purchase limits, and the right to grow their own cannabis at home.
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