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TESTIMONIALS

The Sanctuary Wellness Institute Reviews

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"When I needed my medical marijuana certification, I turned to the Sanctuary. They made the entire process so easy and I was able to submit my registration to the DOH with no problem and, most importantly, no judgment. Thank you!"

  • marijuana Illinois card review
    The Sanctuary Wellness Institute Reviewed by Jennifer E. - Medical Marijuana Card Evaluation review
    February 12 2020


    "...I will definitely recommend  the doctor and Sanctuary Wellness to others"


    "Dr. Raymond was kind and well informed and I felt like he was really advocating for me. I will definitely recommend him and Sanctuary Wellness to others.* "

    Rating: 5

How It Works

Medical Marijuana Laws in Illinois

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Medical marijuana is legal in Illinois thanks to the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. A patient must have a qualifying condition such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Tourette's syndrome, Parkinson's Disease, Crohn's Disease, or a condition that causes cachexia or chronic pain to qualify for medical marijuana.

The amount of cannabis prescribed by each patient's physician determines the possession limits for medical marijuana in Illinois. Patients are permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis per 14-day period in general, though. If a patient's doctor has recommended a higher dosage, they may legally possess that amount.

Patients are not permitted to smoke cannabis in public places. They may only do so in their own homes. Employers are not required to accommodate medical marijuana use, and patients may be subjected to drug testing at work.

The state’s driving under the influence laws are strict. Namely, Illinois does not differentiate between medical patients and recreational users. Anyone with a THC level of 5 nanograms per millimeter of blood or higher is considered over the limit and can be charged with a DUI. Police look for delayed reaction times and bloodshot eyes during traffic stops when there is suspicion of DUI.

  • Autism
  • Agitation from Alzheimer’s disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Arnold-Chiari malformation
  • Cancer
  • Cachexia/wasting syndrome
  • Causalgia
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
  • Chronic pain
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type II (CRPS)
  • Dystonia
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Fibrous Dysplasia
  • Glaucoma
  • Hepatitis C
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Hydromyelia
  • Interstitial cystitis
  • IBS
  • Lupus
  • Migraines
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Muscular Dystrophy
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Myoclonus
  • Nail-patella syndrome
  • Neuro-Bechet’s disease
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Neuropathy
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
  • Post-Concussion Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
  • Residual limb pain
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Seizures, including Epilepsy
  • Severe fibromyalgia
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
  • Spinal cord disease, including arachnoiditis
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Spinocerebellar ataxia
  • Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
  • Syringomyelia
  • Tarlov cysts
  • Terminal illness
  • Tourette syndrome
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Ulcerative colitis

Don’t Have a Qualifying Condition on This List?


The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) does not grant waivers for medical cannabis cards for those with conditions that are not listed under its Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. However, they do accept petitions to add conditions each year from December 1 to December 31.

In addition, patients who could or have received opioids may qualify for medical marijuana under Illinois' Opioid Alternative Pilot Program.

Illinois Medical Marijuana Program


If you live in Illinois and want to apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card and join the state's Medical Cannabis Patient Program patient registry (MCPP), you must follow the government's application process.

The first step is to find the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program application on the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. Click on this link to access the application.

The second step is to fill out the application form. Include your full name, birth date, social security number, and current mailing address. A copy of your Illinois driver's license or state ID card will also be required. You'll need a doctor's certificate to submit the application, so make sure your doctor is willing and able to certify you as a patient.

The third step is to submit your online application to the Department of Public Health via the web. Make sure your application is complete and accurate before submitting it. You must pay a application fee for a new patient application and a renewal application.

A designated caregiver can apply for a medical cannabis card on your behalf if you are unable to do so yourself or if you are a minor (under the age of 18).

If your application for a medical marijuana card is approved, the card you receive will be valid for one year from the date of that approval. You can buy, possess, and use medical marijuana from a licensed dispensary with that card.

About Medical Marijuana

Medical Marijuana in Illinois

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Medical marijuana is available in Illinois for a variety of medical conditions. It's crucial to talk to your doctor about your symptoms because some chronic ones that don't respond to medical treatment may qualify you for Illinois's medical marijuana program.

Qualifying Conditions

Some such conditions include:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hepatitis C
  • Crohn's Disease
  • Arnold-Chiari Malformation
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome




How to Find an Illinois Medical Marijuana Doctor


If you live in Illinois and want to get a medical marijuana card, you must first find a doctor who can certify your eligibility. The state of Illinois keeps track of approved doctors who can issue medical marijuana certifications.

You can look for a medical marijuana doctor in Illinois by going to the state's website and searching for doctors by location. You can also inquire with your primary care physician about receiving a referral.

After you've found a doctor who can certify your eligibility, make an appointment and bring your medical records with you. After that, the doctor will examine your records to see if you qualify for a medical marijuana card. If they decide that you're qualified, you will be given a certification that you must submit with your application.

Where Can You Buy Illinois Medical Marijuana?


There are currently more than 50 dispensary locations spread throughout Illinois. The Cannabis Regulation Oversight Office maintains a complete list of these licensed dispensaries. Be sure to call before visiting one since not all dispensaries carry medicinal products.

Some of the best dispensaries in Illinois for qualifying patients with medical cannabis cards include:

  • EarthMed in Addison
  • Verilife in Arlington Heights
  • Sunnyside in Buffalo Grove
  • Rise Medical and Recreational in Canton
  • Sunnyside in Champaign
  • Maribis in Chicago
  • Mission Dispensary in Chicago
  • 3C Compassionate Care Center in Joliet
  • Trinity MMJ in Peoria
  • Ascend in Springfield

You can purchase Illinois medical cannabis from any licensed dispensary in the state with an MMJ card. Your medical marijuana card allows you to obtain and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions


What information and forms are required to apply for a card?

To apply for an Illinois medical marijuana card, you will need to provide the following information:

Your full name
Your date of birth
The last four digits of your Social Security number
Your current address
Proof of residency (e.g. a copy of your driver's license, state identification card, bank statement, healthcare statement, or utility bill)
A recent photograph
The name, address, and phone number of your recommending physician
Proof of identity (e.g. a copy of your driver's license or state ID card)

You will also need to complete the following forms:

Patient Registration Form
Physician Certification Form
Release of Information Form

You may also be required to provide additional supporting documentation or information, such as proof of income or military status, depending on your specific circumstances. Before submitting your application, carefully review the requirements and prepare all of the necessary documents.

What are some of the qualifying conditions?

Patients must have one of the state's numerous qualifying conditions to be eligible for an Illinois medical cannabis card. Among those medical conditions are:

Cancer
Glaucoma
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis C
Crohn's Disease
Arnold-Chiari Malformation
Alzheimer's Disease
Cachexia or Wasting Syndrome
Muscular dystrophy
Severe fibromyalgia
Spinal cord injury with spasticity
Autism
Chronic pain
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Migraines
Osteoarthritis
Anorexia nervosa
Ehler-Danlos Syndrome
Neuro-Behcet's Autoimmune Disease
Neuropathy
Post-concussion syndrome
Lupus
Polycystic kidney disease
Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
Epilepsy
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Tourette's syndrome
Spinocerebellar ataxia
Other terminal illness


Which medical physicians can certify me for medical marijuana?

Patients must see a physician who has been approved by the state to certify people for medical marijuana in order to get certified for Illinois medical cannabis. Those physicians are known as Medical Marijuana Registered Practitioners (MMRP). To practice medicine in Illinois, MMRPs must obtain a license and complete a training program offered by the state Department of Public Health.

How long is my card valid?

From the date of its issuance, your Illinois MMJ registry card will be valid for one year.

Can I apply if I live in another state?

Yes, an Illinois MMJ card can be obtained from another state. However, you must show proof of Illinois residency and meet all of the other eligibility requirements.

Where are dispensaries near me?

You're in luck if you're looking for a cannabis dispensary in Illinois; there are plenty to choose from. Here are some of the state's best dispensaries:

1. Anyone in the Central Illinois area should consider The Healing Center in Urbana. They have a large selection of strains and products, and they're always happy to assist you in finding exactly what you're looking for.
2. Greenleaf Center in Champaign is another excellent option for Central Illinois residents. They have a knowledgeable staff and a large selection of strains and products, making it simple to find something that perfectly suits your needs.
3. Anyone living in the southern part of Illinois should check out Weed-Star Dispensary in Peoria. They have a great selection of strains and products, and they're always willing to give friendly, helpful advice on what to buy.
4. Willowbrook's Nature's Care & Wellness Center is one of the best options for anyone living north of Chicago. They have a well-trained staff that is always eager to assist you in finding exactly what you need.
5. GreenLeaf in Schaumburg is another great option for those who live north of Chicago. If you're in the area, stop by and check out their incredible selection of strains and products, as well as their unbeatable prices.

Look no further if you're looking for a dispensary in Illinois—these are some of the best options in the state Whether you live in Chicago or elsewhere, one of these dispensaries will most likely have what you desire.

Where can I use medical marijuana in Illinois?

In Illinois, medical marijuana can be consumed in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, and eating edibles. Qualified patients must consume medical marijuana in private--never in public.