Illinois

How much does it cost to get a medical card in Illinois?

To obtain your Illinois medical marijuana card, you will be required to pay an application fee, which varies based on the duration you desire the card to be valid. The fees for an Illinois medical marijuana card are as follows: $50 for one year, $100 for two years, and $125 for three years. Additionally, there might be a consultation fee with a physician.

At Bluebird Wellness, we provide online consultations with medical marijuana doctors, ensuring HIPAA compliance, at a cost of $100.

In Illinois, children facing severe conditions such as cancer have the possibility of utilizing medical marijuana as a treatment option. If parents or legal guardians are aged 21 or above, they can apply for a medical marijuana card on behalf of the child. To obtain the card, the child must be certified by two physicians.

Once approved, both the caregiver and the child will each have their own medical marijuana cards. The caregiver’s card allows them to make purchases at the designated medical dispensary on behalf of the child.

How old do I have to be to apply?

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Illinois, individuals must be at least 18 years old. However, those below 18 can obtain a medical marijuana card with the assistance of a parent or guardian.

How to apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card?

There are several ways to apply: you can print out the required forms from the Illinois Department of Public Health website, complete them, and then mail them. Alternatively, the most efficient method is to apply online through the Medical Cannabis Patients Portal. If you need guidance throughout the application process, the Bluebird Wellness team is ready to assist you in obtaining your medical card promptly.

How does the online evaluation process work?

To apply for a medical marijuana card, the initial step involves creating a username and password on Illinois’ online portal. Next, you’ll complete an online application, providing essential documents like proof of identification, residence, physician certification, and age. Once submitted, your application will undergo a prompt review, and if approved, you’ll receive your temporary card within 24 hours.

How long does it take to get a medical card in Illinois?

Fortunately, the process of obtaining a medical card in Illinois is relatively swift. If your application is approved, you can expect to receive your temporary card in less than 24 hours that can be used at dispensaries. The official medical card will be sent to you by mail and typically arrives within four to six weeks. The validity of the card will depend on the duration you specified in your application, which can be up to three years.

Can Veterans apply?

Indeed, in Illinois, veterans are eligible to obtain medical marijuana cards, regardless of whether they receive healthcare through the VA or another healthcare provider. Veterans who receive healthcare through the VA can provide proof of at least 12 months of treatment from the VA instead of a physician certification. Additionally, certain veterans may qualify for reduced application fees.

How do I renew my medical marijuana card in Illinois?

The process of renewing your medical card in Illinois is straightforward. The Illinois Department of Public Health will send you a letter prior to your card’s expiration date. Once you have the letter, you can proceed with the online renewal application through the patient portal. The renewal fee for one year is $100.

Is my Illinois medical marijuana card valid in other states?

Illinois medical marijuana cards are recognized in several other states, including Arkansas, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington DC.

While many states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, Illinois currently does not accept medical cards from other states. However, non-residents can still purchase limited amounts of cannabis in Illinois.

Illinois Medical Marijuana laws

The medical marijuana laws in Illinois are quite standard compared to other states. To avail of the reduced medical tax rate and buy larger quantities of marijuana, having a medical marijuana card is necessary.

If you possess a medical card, you are limited to purchasing from your designated dispensary. However, you have the flexibility to change your chosen dispensary online through the Illinois Department of Public Health if needed.

Possession Limits for Illinois patients

As stated earlier, medical marijuana patients in Illinois have a maximum purchase allowance of 2.5 ounces of marijuana every 14 days, which is the highest quantity they can possess at any given time. If required, doctors can recommend higher possession limits for patients. These limits are notably greater than those imposed on recreational users, and medical patients are not permitted to gift or share their medical cannabis.

Furthermore, medical patients in Illinois are legally authorized to cultivate cannabis at home!

What is the opioid alternative program in Illinois?

In 2019, Illinois introduced the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (OAPP) with the aim of reducing the risk of opioid addiction. Through this program, individuals eligible for opioid prescriptions have the option to obtain a medical marijuana card as an alternative treatment.

Can I be or have a caregiver in Illinois?

In Illinois, caregivers are permitted for specific categories of medical marijuana patients, such as children, individuals with certain terminal illnesses, and some veterans. To be eligible as a caregiver in Illinois, one must be at least 21 years old.

Are there income limits for a medical marijuana card in Illinois?

In Illinois, there are currently no income limitations for obtaining a medical marijuana card. However, certain individuals, like veterans, may qualify for reduced application fees.

Adults 21 years or older can purchase up to three ounces (85 grams) of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (oils, tincture, edibles, vapes, etc.) in a single day for delivery in New York.

Under the current law, wherever smoking cigarettes is permitted, you can also smoke a joint. However, it’s important to note that smoking is not allowed in public parks. If caught smoking in restricted areas, you could face a fine of $125. The bill defines “in public” as including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the outdoor patios of restaurants and bars.

New York’s current marijuana laws do not permit medical marijuana reciprocity. Consequently, you cannot use an out-of-state medical card to access medical marijuana in New York.

Individuals who are 21 years of age or older in New York can cultivate cannabis for personal use within their homes. They are allowed to grow up to 6 cannabis plants, with 3 plants being mature and 3 plants being immature. However, it’s important to note that the immediate home cultivation of cannabis is not permitted. Each household is limited to a maximum of twelve plants, consisting of 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants.