Slideshow | How to become an Illinois medical cannabis patient
The Healing Clinic shows you how to become an Illinois medical cannabis patient. Receiving medical cannabis treatment shouldn’t be difficult. We, at The Healing Clinic, are here to help you through this new and exciting process. On August 1, 2013, former Illinois governor Pat Quinn signed in to law the “Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act” (Public Act 98-0122) enabling those who would qualify for the program to receive medical cannabis as an alternative to addictive pills. This life saving law is changing the way Illinoisans view cannabis and is enabling a large volume of revenue for the state, dispensaries and advocacy centers, such as ours. With the recent addition of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and terminal illness to the list of eligible conditions, there has never been a less challenging time to receive medical cannabis as a treatment. We want to make this as easy as possible for you to understand, so we have prepared a list with each step of the process to receive medical cannabis in Illinois.
Ask your doctor if they will certify you.
Meet with your physician to discuss medical cannabis as a treatment option. A doctor must complete and mail a signed certification to the Department of Public Health. Don’t be nervous bringing up medical cannabis to your doctor. Do your research and bring medical studies to the visit. Explain the program to your doctor, they may not be aware of it.
If your doctor will not certify you, call The Healing Clinic at (312) 890-6113
The Healing Clinic believes in making the registration process simple and stress free for patients. At our facilities, we offer scheduled meetings with doctors to determine if you qualify for medical cannabis. The Healing Clinic will remain in contact with you throughout the entire process.
2X2 photograph. Sorry, no selfies.
Your photo must be taken against a plain, white backdrop and size must be at least 600 x 600 pixels and no larger than 800 x 800 pixels. Remember to remove hats, scarves and sunglasses! It is pertinent to submit a clear photograph with no distractions, as the state has turned away applications based on the photograph not meeting criteria.
Government issued photo ID
Bring your ID or drivers license, we need to verify your identity and age. Must be valid and unexpired.
Proof of residency – 2 items
You will need two items that prove you live in IL. The address on each of the documents must match the address on your application. State ID, driver’s license, bank statement, utility bill and voter card are all acceptable.
Background Check
Only a controlled substance felony conviction will automatically disqualify patients from the program. Get your fingerprints scanned by a Livescan Fingerprint vendor. Your fingerprint consent form must be signed and include a Transaction Control Number (TCN). You must submit the completed form along with your application within 30 days of being fingerprinted.
Caregiver Application (not necessary)
Patients may choose to designate one caregiver. Photograph, proof of identity and age, proof of residency and background check are also required of caregivers for application. An additional fee of $75 is added to patient application fee.
Complete patient application online – here
Complete all required fields of the online application and reach out to one of our advocates for guidance in selecting a dispensary that is right for you.
Pay application fee online with a credit card or debit card
A non-refundable fee of $300 or reduced fee of $150 for veterans or those enrolled in Federal Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability program. Veterans must include copy of DD214 and SSDI/SSI recipients, include a copy of their benefits verification letter dated within past year.
Wait for your card to arrive
The IDPH will send your Medical Cannabis Registry ID card by mail to the address on your application. The department takes 4-6 weeks, or 45 business days, to process patient applications. You may check on the status of your application 30 days after submitting by sending an inquiry e-mail to the IDPH-Division of Medical Cannabis.
GO SHOPPING!
Once your medical marijuana card arrives, you are free to purchase medical cannabis at your designated dispensary!
