Get Help with a Medical Cannabis Card in Illinois
Once you confirm you have a qualifying medical condition for medical cannabis, you must turn to a healthcare professional for a certificate. To better understand what’s ahead in order to apply for and receive a medical cannabis card, check out the process here.
How Do You Become a Medical Cannabis Patient in Illinois?
There are two options for becoming a medical cannabis patient in Illinois — through the Medical Cannabis Patient Program, or the Opioid Alternative Program. At Windy City Cannabis, we are happy to guide you through the process for each to help you become an Illinois medical cannabis patient, ensuring you properly complete every step of your application.
To learn more about each program, and select which one is best suited for you, check out the differentiations below.
Medical Cannabis Patient Program
Cannabis has been shown to assist in alleviating medical conditions. With this solution, patients can help improve their health and wellness.
In order to be a part of the Medical Cannabis Patient Program, you must:
- Be an Illinois resident.
- Have a qualifying condition.
- Get a doctor or healthcare professional certification.
Opioid Alternative Program
Opioids are commonly prescribed for pain management, but can be addicting or dangerous to those that take them. For a safe way to get pain relief, medical cannabis is an alternative available.
To qualify for the Opioid Alternative Program, you must:
- Be an Illinois resident.
- Have an active opioid prescription.
- Get a doctor or healthcare professional’s certification.
Are You Eligible? Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions in Illinois
To qualify for medical cannabis in Illinois, you must have one of the qualifying conditions established in the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. It is possible that as the program grows, more conditions will be added. However, at this time, if your condition is not on the list, you can fill out the Petition to Add Debilitating Conditions form and submit it to the Department of Public Health for review.
Medical Cannabis for Minors
For minors with qualifying conditions, Illinois permits medical cannabis use, however, there are more strict guidelines for these patients. For minors, several practitioner certifications are required, and they must have a certified caregiver who is registered with the state.
Medical Cannabis for Veterans
For veterans who are under the care of the VA, no written certification for medical cannabis is required. Instead, these veterans must provide 12 months of medical history from the VA facility. For veterans not receiving care from the VA, the same certification process is imposed as with other medical patients.
Medical Cannabis for Terminal Illness
For patients diagnosed with a terminal illness and have a 6-month life expectancy, they can apply for an expedited medical cannabis card.
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