ILLINOIS MEDICAL CANNABIS PILOT PROGRAM
Below you will find a handy guide to some common questions regarding medical cannabis use in the state of Illinois. As an emerging treatment option, it is important to stay informed and up to date on what is happening, so we always encourage questions.
HOW LONG IS MY ENROLLMENT IN THE MEDICAL CANNABIS PROGRAM VALID?
If approved, your registry identification card from the Illinois Department of Public Health will be valid for one year from the date it is issued. You have until the day of expiration to renew your existing registry identification card.
WHY CAN’T I GO TO PHARMACY TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CANNABIS?
Pharmacies can only dispense medications that are prescribed. Marijuana is currently classified by the federal government as a Schedule I controlled substance, which means it cannot be prescribed by any health professional. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act allows doctors to recommend medical cannabis for patientsCAN I GROW MY OWN MEDICAL CANNABIS?
Yes. Qualifying registered patients can grow up to 5 plants at a time.HOW MUCH MEDICAL CANNABIS MAY I POSSESS AS A REGISTERED QUALIFYING PATIENT?
Registered qualifying patients and designated caregivers may possess up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis in a 14-day period from the dispensary the qualifying patient identified on their application.AS A REGISTERED QUALIFYING PATIENT, IS THERE A WAY TO POSSESS MORE THAN 2.5 OUNCES OF MEDICAL CANNABIS IN A 14-DAY PERIOD?
A registered qualifying patient may apply for a waiver to possess more than 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis in a 14-day period. The patient’s physician must complete the form included in the Physician Written Certification Form asserting that, based on the patient’s medical history, 2.5 ounces is an insufficient supply for a 14-day period. Veterans can not increase their allotment.