6 Reasons You Should Get an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card

Reading Time: 4 minutes

In Illinois, adults can buy cannabis from a store. This makes a lot of people ask, "Why should I still get a medical card?" It is a very good question. This guide will show you the top 6 reasons you should get an Illinois medical marijuana card.

Buying cannabis for fun is easy, but it's not the same as using it for your health. The Illinois medical cannabis program gives patients special benefits that others don't get. If you use cannabis to feel better, a medical card is the smartest choice.

1. You Will Save a Lot of Money on Taxes

The biggest reason to get a medical card is the money you will save. The tax on recreational cannabis in Illinois is very high. It can be almost 20% to more than 34% extra, which is a lot.

But if you have a medical card, you only pay a tiny 1% tax. This is because it is seen as medicine.

Let’s imagine you buy $100 of cannabis. A recreational user might pay up to $34 in taxes. A medical patient pays only $1. The money you save on taxes can pay for the cost of the process of getting your card very quickly.

2. You Can Legally Grow Your Own Cannabis at Home

Have you ever wanted to grow your own medicine? With a medical card in Illinois, you can. This is a special right that only medical patients have.

If you are a registered patient, you can grow up to five cannabis plants at home. The plants just have to be over five inches tall.

Growing your own plants is great because you can save a lot of money. You also get to choose the exact cannabis strains that help you the most. You will always have a fresh supply of your own medicine.

3. You Get Higher Possession Limits and Priority Access

Medical patients are allowed to have more cannabis than recreational users. A recreational user can only have about 30 grams. That is not always enough if you need it for a health condition.

As a medical patient, you can buy up to 2.5 ounces every two weeks. That is more than double what recreational users can get. This means you won’t have to worry about running out of your medicine.

Also, if a store is low on products, they must help medical patients first. This is the law. It is another big reason why you should get an Illinois medical marijuana card if your health depends on it.

Note: Taking the first step is easier than you might think. With the help of trusted online platforms like Kif, the journey to getting your medical card is incredibly straightforward. Having guided over 450,000 patients to successful approvals, Kif simplifies the entire process. You can review the transparent pricing options and get started right away for immediate approval, connecting you to the benefits of medical cannabis without the wait.

4. Access to a Wider Range of Dispensaries and Products

Having a medical card gives you more choices. Some dispensaries in Illinois are only for medical patients. So, you have more places you can go to buy your medicine.

These medical-only stores often have a bigger selection of products. They might have special creams, oils, and other items made just for health problems. This helps you find the perfect product for your qualifying conditions.

More choices mean you can find exactly what works best for your body. It is all about getting the best care possible.

5. Stronger Legal Protections for Patients

A medical card is more than just a piece of paper. It is official proof from the state that you are a patient. This gives you much stronger legal protection.

This can be very helpful in certain situations, like with housing or jobs. The rules can be tricky, but having a card shows you are following the law for your health. It defines you as a patient, not just a casual user.

For anyone who wants to feel safe and secure, this is one of the most important reasons you should get an Illinois medical marijuana card. It offers you true peace of mind.

6. Receive Guidance from a Medical Professional

When you buy cannabis recreationally, you are on your own. But when you apply for a medical card, you get to talk to a doctor. This is a huge benefit for your health.

A doctor can talk with you about your health and answer your questions. They can help you understand how cannabis might help you. This professional advice is something you can't get at a recreational store.

The team at The Kif can connect you with a kind and smart doctor. Our doctors know all about the Illinois medical cannabis program. They will guide you through the process safely and make sure you feel comfortable.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Your Health and Wallet

As you can see, a medical card offers so much more than recreational access. You save a lot of money on taxes and can grow your own plants. You also get higher possession limits, more product choices, better legal protection, and a doctor's guidance.

While being able to buy cannabis legally is great, becoming a registered patient is the best choice for your health and your wallet. These are the clear 6 reasons you should get an Illinois medical marijuana card.

If you want to learn more, find out more about us and how we can help you on your journey to wellness.

Elvera Sauceda
Elvera Sauceda is a writer, researcher, and editor with a decade of experience covering natural medicine and holistic wellness, including the therapeutic uses of cannabis. Passionate about empowering readers to take control of their health, she focuses on providing informative, evidence-based insights into plant-based healing. When she’s not writing, Elvera enjoys gardening, exploring herbal remedies, and supporting wellness initiatives in her local community.

 

Important Medical Information & Disclaimers

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this page is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical marijuana recommendations are made only by licensed U.S. healthcare providers via secure telemedicine, in accordance with state laws.

Always consult a qualified physician before making any decisions about your health or starting new therapies.

Source: FDA – Cannabis Research & Drug Approval Process

Individual Results May Vary

Medical cannabis affects every patient differently. Outcomes depend on the product chosen, dosing, medical condition, and lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and medication adherence. Effectiveness may vary widely; regular follow-ups with your provider are essential.

Source: NIH – Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids

Possible Side Effects

The most common side effects of medical marijuana include dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, red eyes, impaired concentration, and increased appetite. Some may experience anxiety, rapid heartbeat, memory issues, or mild hallucinations when using high-THC products. Rare but serious effects include depression, psychosis, heart rhythm changes, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (frequent vomiting).

Source: Mayo Clinic – Marijuana: Safety and Side Effects

Legal & Regulatory Notice

Medical marijuana is regulated by state law. Marijuana remains a Schedule I substance under U.S. federal law and is not prescribed in the traditional sense; it is recommended or certified for use, not prescribed. Initial evaluations may require in-person visits in certain states; renewals are often available via telemedicine, depending on local regulations.

Sources: DEA – Controlled Substances Act & Telehealth.org – Cannabis Prescribing and Telehealth

Product Quality & Safety

Only purchase medical cannabis from dispensaries licensed and regulated in your state. Unregulated products may contain contaminants or inaccurate THC/CBD concentrations, presenting safety risks.

Source: FDA – What To Know About Cannabis Products

Reporting Side Effects

If you experience unexpected or severe side effects from medical cannabis, notify your provider immediately and report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program: MedWatch Online or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your report helps improve safety for all patients.

Source: FDA – MedWatch Safety & Adverse Event Reporting

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