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Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Illinois [2024]
How to Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois
To qualify for a medical marijuana card in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Illinois.
- Have a diagnosis of one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Illinois.
- Not hold a school bus permit or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Not be an active-duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or firefighter.
If you meet these requirements, you can proceed with the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Illinois.
Illinois Medical Marijuana 2024 List of Conditions
The qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Illinois in 2024 include:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anorexia Nervosa
- Arnold-Chiari malformation
- Autism
- Cachexia/Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer
- Causalgia
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Chronic Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II (CRPS)
- Dystonia
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Hydrocephalus
- Hydromyelia
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis.
- Lupus
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Myoclonus
- Nail-patella Syndrome
- Neuro-Bechet’s Autoimmune Disease
- Neurofibromatosis
- Neuropathy
- Osteoarthritis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
- Post-Concussion Syndrome
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- Residual Limb Pain
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
- Severe Fibromyalgia
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Spinal Cord Disease (including but not limited to arachnoiditis)
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia
- Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome
- Syringomyelia
- Tarlov Cysts
- Terminal Illness
- Tourette Syndrome
- Traumatic Brain Injury
This is an extensive list, and if you have any of these conditions, you may be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Illinois.
Illinois Medical Marijuana Card Requirements
To obtain a medical marijuana card in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of Illinois.
- Have a diagnosis of one of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Illinois.
- Not hold a school bus permit or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
- Not be an active-duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or firefighter.
Meeting these requirements is essential to be eligible for a medical marijuana card in Illinois.
How Much Does the Illinois Medical Marijuana Card Cost
The cost of an Illinois medical marijuana card depends on the duration of the card:
- $50 for one year
- $100 for two years
- $125 for three years
If you qualify for the reduced fee, you will pay $25 for one year, $50 for two years, and $75 for three years. It is important to consider the duration and cost when applying for an Illinois medical marijuana card.
What Documents do I require for the Illinois medical marijuana card?
When applying for an Illinois medical marijuana card, you will need the following documents:
- A marijuana certification from a licensed cannabis doctor in Illinois.
- An acceptable passport-style photo taken within the last 30 days.
- Proof of identity, such as an Illinois Driver’s License, Illinois ID card, or Passport.
- Proof of residency, which can be a valid Voter registration card with an address in Illinois, Deed/Title, Mortgage, Rental/Lease Agreement, Bank Statement dated less than 90 days before your application, Insurance Policy-Current coverage, Medical claims/statement of benefits, Utility bills issued less than 60 days, or W-2 from the most recent tax year.
- Payment for the government fees, which vary based on the duration of the card and whether you qualify for the reduced fee.
Having these documents ready will facilitate the application process for an Illinois medical marijuana card.
I Was Certified By the Illinois Doctor - What is The Next Step?
If you have been certified by a licensed cannabis doctor in Illinois, the next step is to register with the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program. The process is as follows:
After submitting your application to the IDPH’s Medical Cannabis Patient Program and paying the state fee, you will need to wait for approval. Once approved, the state will issue you a temporary MMJ card, which you can use within 24 hours. Your permanent card will arrive in 4-6 weeks, allowing you to continue purchasing medical cannabis.
Registering with the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program is necessary to obtain your medical marijuana card and gain access to medical cannabis in Illinois.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Illinois?
Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Illinois. The state has an expansive list of qualifying conditions, and residents can apply for a medical marijuana card to access therapeutic cannabis.
Common Questions about the Qualifying Conditions & Requirements for a Medical Card in Illinois
What are the requirements to get a medical card in Illinois? 
To get a medical card in Illinois, you must be a resident of the state, have a diagnosis of one of the qualifying conditions, and meet certain eligibility criteria such as not holding a school bus permit or CDL and not being an active-duty law enforcement officer, correctional officer, correctional probation officer, or firefighter.
What qualifies for medical marijuana in Illinois?
In Illinois, there is an extensive list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, including conditions such as ALS, Alzheimer's disease, chronic pain, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD, among others.
What is the monthly limit for medical marijuana in Illinois?
In Illinois, patients registered with the medical marijuana program can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medicinal cannabis every 14 days.
Can you own a gun with a medical marijuana card in Illinois?
Federal law prohibits the possession of firearms by users of controlled substances, including marijuana. Therefore, individuals with a medical marijuana card in Illinois may face restrictions on gun ownership.
Can a minor get a medical marijuana in Illinois?
Yes, minors can qualify for a medical marijuana card in Illinois if they have a qualifying condition and obtain a certification from a licensed cannabis doctor. However, they require a caregiver who is at least 21 years old to assist them in obtaining and using medical cannabis.
Can I go to a dispensary without a medical card in Illinois?
No, you cannot access a dispensary in Illinois without a medical marijuana card. Dispensaries in the state are only authorized to serve registered medical marijuana patients.
Does insurance cover medical cannabis in Illinois?
No, insurance does not typically cover the cost of medical cannabis in Illinois. Patients are responsible for the expenses associated with obtaining and using medical marijuana.
Can a job not hire you if you have a medical card in Illinois?
While medical marijuana is legal in Illinois, employers still have the right to enforce drug-free workplace policies and may choose not to hire individuals who test positive for cannabis, even if they have a valid medical card.
Can you have your medical card and be a nurse in Illinois?
The Illinois Nursing Practice Act prohibits nurses from using or being under the influence of cannabis while on duty. Therefore, having a medical card does not exempt nurses from the restrictions imposed by their professional licensing board.
Can you get a government job if you have a medical card in Illinois?
Government agencies have their own policies regarding the use of medical marijuana, and individuals with a medical card may face restrictions or disqualification from certain government jobs. It is important to consult the specific policies of the agency or department in question.
What happens if you fail a drug test but have a medical card in Illinois?
Failing a drug test while having a medical card in Illinois can have consequences depending on the employer's policies. Employers may choose to take disciplinary action, including termination, if an employee tests positive for cannabis, even if they have a valid medical card. It is important to be aware of the employer's drug-free workplace policies and any potential consequences.