Yes, you can visit a dispensary in Illinois without a medical marijuana card as Illinois is one of the very few US states where both recreational and medical cannabis is legal. All you need to have is some state-issued ID that proves your residence status within the state and the fact that you’re older than 21. However, there are some very compelling and exclusive benefits that are limited to medical marijuana users only.
Benefits of having a medical marijuana card in Illinois
Having a medical marijuana card in states where recreational cannabis is legal still offers significant benefits. One of the most important advantages is access to higher-potency products, which can be crucial for medical patients needing stronger THC or CBD concentrations for conditions like chronic pain or cancer. Medical cannabis products are often available in higher potencies than recreational options, providing more effective symptom relief under state regulations.
Financial savings are another key benefit for medical cardholders. In many states like Illinois, medical users enjoy lower prices and exemptions from certain taxes imposed on recreational cannabis purchases. In Illinois, having a medical marijuana card can reduce costs by up to 30% due to the exemption from high sales tax rates that apply to recreational users, making treatment more affordable in the long term.
Additionally, medical marijuana cardholders receive stronger legal protections. Some states have laws offering additional legal safeguards for medical users, such as greater possession, cultivation, and purchasing rights.
Medical cardholders also benefit from reciprocity in certain states, allowing them to purchase cannabis while traveling. Plus, with continuous care from healthcare professionals, medical users receive tailored advice on cannabis treatments, ensuring a more therapeutic experience.
Qualifying medical conditions for an Illinois medical marijuana card
The state of Illinois is very strict when it comes to issuing medical marijuana cards to patients who actually deserve this type of medical treatment. This explains why as per the state laws, you must be diagnosed with at least one of the following qualifying medical conditions along with any medical condition for which an opioid has been or could be prescribed by a physician based on generally accepted standards of card in order to apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card,
- Syringomyelia
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Lupus
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA)
- Tarlov cysts
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome type 2
- Neurofibromatosis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Cachexia/wasting syndrome
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Post-traumatic stress
- Traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome
- Hydrocephalus
- Crohn’s Disease
- Causalgia
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Nail patella syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Dystonia
- Arnold Chiari malformation
- Myoclonus
- ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibrous dysplasia
- Autism
- HIV/AIDS
- Neuro-Behcet’s autoimmune disease
- Hepatitis C
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- Glaucoma
- Parkinson’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
Here’s how you can apply for a medical marijuana card!
To apply for a medical marijuana card in Illinois, you must first consult with a licensed healthcare provider and have a qualifying medical condition recognized by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
The physician must be a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 and in good standing with the state. CertaMD helps you with that as we book your online medical marijuana evaluation appointments at super-affordable rates! Once everything is sorted out, you can follow these steps to get your Illinois medical marijuana card,
- After the physician certifies your condition, you can apply online through the Cannabis Tracking System (CTS), as Illinois no longer accepts mail-in requests for adult medical marijuana cards unless you’re applying on behalf of a minor.
- The state application fee varies depending on the card’s duration: $50 for one year, $100 for two years, and $125 for three years, with discounts available for veterans and those enrolled in federal disability programs.
- When submitting your application, you’ll need proof of residency, a passport-style photo, and proof of your application fee payment. After submission, you should receive a provisional access card within 24 hours.
It’s important to note that those with an active school bus permit, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or working as law enforcement, correctional officers, or firefighters cannot apply for a card. Also, caregivers must submit a paper form as no online option exists for them.
Final Note
In the state of Illinois where recreational cannabis is legal, you can visit a dispensary without a medical marijuana card. However, there is a long list of benefits exclusive to medical marijuana users in Illinois. But before you decide to switch to medical marijuana, make sure to have this thorough discussion with your doctor regarding the impact of long-term medical cannabis usage on your health and well-being.
FAQs
Can you visit a dispensary in Illinois without a medical marijuana card?
Yes, adults over 21 can purchase recreational cannabis from licensed dispensaries in Illinois without a medical marijuana card.
What are the purchase limits for recreational cannabis in Illinois?
Illinois residents can buy up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500 milligrams of THC in edibles.
Do medical cannabis patients in Illinois pay less than recreational users?
Yes, medical patients often pay lower prices due to tax exemptions that recreational users do not have.
Is home cultivation of cannabis allowed in Illinois?
Only medical marijuana patients are permitted to grow up to five plants; recreational users cannot grow cannabis at home.
Are medical cannabis patients prioritized at Illinois dispensaries?
Yes, many dispensaries give priority to medical patients, offering faster service or special hours.
What identification is needed to buy cannabis in Illinois?
You must provide a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID, to purchase cannabis.
Can medical cannabis patients in Illinois consume cannabis in public?
No, public consumption of cannabis is prohibited, even for medical marijuana patients.
