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In Illinois, marijuana is legal for both recreational and medical use. Illinois is now the eleventh state in the US to have legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. As other states had legalized recreational sales through vote initiatives, Illinois became the first state in the country to allow recreational sales by an act of the state legislature in 2019 with the passing of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
In this article, we will explore Illinois medical marijuana cards and how you can qualify for it. So, let’s get started!
Illinois Medical Marijuana Laws
The following are some key laws related to medical marijuana in Illinois:
- In Illinois, marijuana use is legal, but possession of more than the allotted amounts carries misdemeanor penalties and escalating fines.
- It is illegal for anyone to use cannabis in public areas, and it is also forbidden to use cannabis while operating machines or cars.
- Illinois employers are free to enact their own marijuana laws and fire employees for using marijuana on the job.
Why Should You Get an Illinois MMJ Card?
By holding the Illinois MMJ card, you can get the following benefits:
Lower Costs
Due to high taxes imposed on adult users, Illinois medical marijuana cardholders can save more than 40% when buying marijuana products.
Priority Access and the Permission to Grow Cannabis
Medical patients are permitted to legally cultivate up to five cannabis plants per household and are granted priority access to higher-quality products offered at dispensaries.
Higher Possession Limits
Patients in Illinois who are registered for medical marijuana may possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis throughout a 14-day period; however, they may request an increase via a waiver.
Eligibility Requirements for Getting Illinois MMJ Card
- At the time of application, you have to sign up for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP).
- In order to be eligible, patients must be at least 18 years old. Those who are younger must choose a caregiver to have access to cannabis on their behalf.
- The minimum age for caregivers is 21.
- Illinois does not grant medical marijuana cards to people in certain professions.
- These professions include firefighters, correctional and probation officials, and law enforcement on active duty.
- Furthermore, the state prohibits holders of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and school bus drivers from applying for medical cards.
Qualifying Conditions for Getting Medical Cannabis Card in Illinois
Despite the fact that medicinal marijuana may be able to treat hundreds of diseases, the state of Illinois only accepts the following conditions as qualifying ones:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Arnold-Chiari malformation
- Cachexia
- Causalgia
- Chronic inflammatory
- Crohn’s disease
- Dystonia
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Fibrous Dysplasia
- Hepatitis C
- Hydrocephalus
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Myoclonus
- Nail-patella syndrome
- Neuro-Bechet’s autoimmune disease
- Neurofibromatosis
- Neuropathy
What You’ll Need to Apply
In Illinois, obtaining approval from a healthcare provider, filling out the state application, and submitting supporting documentation are necessary for obtaining an MMJ Card.
You'll require:
- Basic data related to your health.
- Legal name and details of contact.
- Identity verification (a driver's license or ID card from the state).
- You can also use a U.S. passport, but you'll need to show documentation that you live in Illinois.
- A copy of your doctor's recommendation on medical marijuana.
Conclusion
Illinois legalizes medical marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. By getting an Illinois MMJ card, you can enjoy all the benefits that were discussed in this article. To get your MMJ card, you will need to ask your doctor who will check whether you are eligible for trying medical cannabis or not.
