Jul 08th 2019

Which Conditions Qualify You for an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card?

Recreational and medical use of marijuana is a highly debated topic in the U.S. Many states legalized the medical use of marijuana, but many still are hesitant to do so. However, Illinois is now among the list of states that legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.

This is a recent development in Illinois that will also expunge the records of nonviolent individuals convicted of possessing small amounts of marijuana. But, Illinois medical marijuana will still be available to individuals with debilitating health conditions.

The new law passing the recreational use of marijuana will take effect in January of 2020. As of now, recreational marijuana will be sold at dispensaries that also sell medical marijuana.

Some people who rely on medical marijuana to treat their health conditions are concerned about availability. These individuals worry that supply will run low causing them to not get the treatment they need, but the law in Illinois states that dispensaries must legally maintain an adequate supply for medical consumers.

In addition, other benefits of obtaining a medical cannabis card are

1. The ability to grow your own medicine. Up to 5 plants in fact!
2. Access to products with higher content limits. This is crucial for those who need high doses of concentrated medicine.
3.  Avoidance of the extra 30% tax consumers are likely to pay under the recreational route. As a patient, you can avoid these taxes, which will quickly add up and cost you more than a medical cannabis card.

Want to learn which conditions are approved in Illinois for medical marijuana cards? Read on to find out more about approved conditions under Illinois medical marijuana laws.

Illinois Medical Marijuana Card: Approved Conditions

There are many steps needed to receive an Illinois medical marijuana card. First, you need to have an approved condition that allows you to use medical marijuana as a treatment.

Then, you need to receive a doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana from a clinic like ours. You also need to apply for a medical marijuana card online (something we can help with). Applying for a medical marijuana card requires you to have proof of residency, identification, and a passport photo.

You’ll also need to pay for an application fee. You can pay for a medical marijuana card for up to three years. For one year, you’ll pay $100 and for three years you’ll pay $250. However, this fee is decreased for veterans and people with disabilities.

So, if you’re interested in using medical marijuana as a treatment option, then you may be curious to know which health conditions are approved in Illinois. Explore a few of the following health conditions that can grant you a medical marijuana card in Illinois.

1. Cancer

Cancer is a condition that can require a host of medications and treatments. Cancer affects many people and it is a life-altering condition. Those undergoing chemotherapy as a cancer treatment will also experience a host of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

For people with cancer in Illinois, some relief may be possible with medical marijuana. Medical marijuana can help to treat nausea and vomiting and provide benefits of relaxation.

2. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a condition which is transmitted through bodily fluids. HIV is a virus that attacks an individual’s immune system. Left untreated, it can manifest into AIDS.

Symptoms can be difficult to treat, however, because of how they manifest in the body. Essentially, an individual’s entire body is affected so treatment must aim at treating the multiple symptoms that arise.

HIV/AIDs is covered under the Illinois medical marijuana law. Using medical marijuana for this condition can help to ease pain, nausea, weight loss, and other symptoms related to this health condition.

3. Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a condition which affects a person’s gastrointestinal tract. It is influenced by a person’s genetics, environment, and/or an overactive immune response. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss.

A loss of appetite is also common for people with Crohn’s disease. Medical marijuana can help to relieve some of these symptoms which is why it is an approved condition for Illinois medical marijuana use.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that affects a person’s eyesight. This condition results from damage to the optic nerve. If left untreated, this condition could cause blindness.

This condition can result in pressure in the eye. Medical marijuana can help to lower the pressure in the eye caused by Glaucoma.

5. PTSD

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder commonly associated with war veterans. However, PTSD can result in an individual who experiences a traumatic life event. This could include sexual assault, a serious accident, or a natural disaster.

But, PTSD isn’t limited to these situations alone. Trauma can occur as a result of witnessing a traumatic event or experiencing an event that is beyond your coping abilities.

Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, disturbing thoughts and feelings, and anxiety. Someone with PTSD may also experience flashbacks, high reactivity, and avoidance behaviors.

Using medical marijuana can help to treat and reduce these symptoms, however. Medical marijuana in conjunction with other treatments may also help individuals with PTSD to process their emotions and cultivate more positive feelings.

6. Seizures

Seizures occur as a result of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. If you experience reoccurring seizures, then you may receive a diagnosis of epilepsy. Medical marijuana may be able to provide relief for people who experience seizures, however.

It achieves this by controlling seizures. If you are experiencing seizures or any of these medical conditions, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Compounds in medical marijuana can interact with certain medications, so a doctor’s advice and recommendations are vital to your treatment plan.

Although marijuana will soon be available for recreational use if you have one of these conditions you should still talk with your doctor. This will ensure that your condition is monitored and any side effects mitigated.

7. Chronic Pain

As one of the latest conditions to be approved, chronic pain is defined as any type of pain that has lasted for longer than a period of 6 months. Because most people suffer from some type of pain or another, the recent approval of this condition will allow thousands of more people to qualify for the program who were not able to previously do so.

Illinois Medical Marijuana Card and Talking with Our Doctors

Illinois medical marijuana is beneficial for many individuals suffering from various health conditions. However, not all health conditions are approved in the state of Illinois. As of August 15th, 2019, the total list of conditions that qualify are:

• Autism (NEW)
• Agitation of Alzheimer’s disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Anorexia nervosa (NEW)
• Arnold-Chiari malformation
• Cancer
• Cachexia/wasting syndrome
• Causalgia
• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Chronic pain (NEW)
• Crohn’s disease
• CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome Type II)
• Dystonia
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (NEW)
• Fibrous Dysplasia
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Hydrocephalus
• Hydromyelia
• Interstitial cystitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome (NEW)
• Lupus
• Migraines (NEW)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Myoclonus
• Nail-patella syndrome
• Neuro-Bechet’s autoimmune disease
• Neurofibromatosis
• Neuropathy
• Osteoarthritis (NEW)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) (NEW)
• Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Residual limb pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Seizures (including those characteristic of Epilepsy)
• Severe fibromyalgia
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Spinal cord disease (including but not limited to arachnoiditis)
• Spinal cord injury is damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity
• Spinocerebellar ataxia
• Superior canal dehiscence syndrome
• Syringomyelia
• Tarlov cysts
• Tourette syndrome
• Traumatic brain injury
• Ulcerative colitis (NEW)

To learn more about approved health conditions, give us a call, or discover more about our process here. You can also contact us today to get assistance in obtaining a medical cannabis card through our physician clinics and network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois?

Numerous medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Illinois. Some of these include Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s Disease, Glaucoma, PTSD, Seizures, Chronic Pain, Autism, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Anorexia nervosa, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Irritable bowel syndrome, Lupus, Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and Ulcerative colitis. For a complete list of conditions, it’s recommended to check the official website or contact a licensed healthcare provider.

What is the process for obtaining an Illinois Medical Marijuana Card?

First, the patient must have a qualifying medical condition per Illinois state law. Then, they must receive a doctor’s recommendation for medical marijuana from a licensed healthcare provider. Once they have this, they can apply for a medical marijuana card online, providing proof of residency, identification, and a passport photo. The application fee varies based on the length of the card’s validity – $100 for one year and $250 for three years. This fee is decreased for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois, even with the legalization of recreational use?

Obtaining a medical marijuana card in Illinois offers several benefits. Firstly, cardholders can grow their own medicinal plants, up to 5 in total. Secondly, they gain access to products with higher content limits, essential for patients needing high doses of concentrated medicine. Lastly, they can avoid the extra 30% tax applied to recreational marijuana consumers. All these benefits make the medical cannabis card a cost-effective option for patients requiring medical marijuana for their health conditions.