Illinois-licensed doctors, physician assistants, and advanced practice nurses are permitted to certify individuals seeking to obtain their medical cannabis card. If your health care professional is unwilling to complete the certification, Herbal Remedies is happy to recommend one that does.

Gone are the days of bringing a paper form to your physician to sign. The certification is now submitted online-only via the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System (at etk.icts.illinois.gov). If they’ve never utilized this system before, the health care professional must create an account. Upon registration, the health care professional can log in and navigate within the platform to complete the certification of their patients. If your healthcare professional notes your medical condition is lifelong, a new certification is not required for future renewals.

Do you need a caregiver (someone that can purchase medical cannabis at the dispensary on your behalf)? Are you a veteran? Do you have a terminal illness? Is the prospective patient under 18 years of age? If so, please scroll down for additional guidelines.

The prospective Illinois medical cannabis patient will need the following items:

• An email address
• • An email address that is valid and easily accessible as all communication with the Illinois Department of Public Health, including notifying you of your approved medical card, occurs through that medium.

• Debit, credit, or prepaid card
  • The online application fee is $50 for a one-year card, $100 for a two-year card, and $125 for a three-year card. If the healthcare professional noted the applicant has a life-long medical condition during the certification process, this individual is eligible for a three-year card at $50. Ensure your card has sufficient funds to cover this, in addition to an online processing fee of 2.25%.
  • Applicants ages 65 and older, veterans (with a DD-214 showing an honorable discharge), and those receiving federal disability benefits or supplemental security income (with a Benefit Verification Letter from the Social Security office) are eligible for a 50% reduced application fee.

• An unexpired Illinois drivers license or state ID
  • If the address on your ID differs from your current address, you must have additional proof of residency such as a:
    • Paystub or electronic deposit receipt (issued less than 60 days before applying online, that shows evidence of withholding for State income tax)
    • Valid voter registration card with an address in Illinois
    • Current military identification card
    • Bank statement (dated less than 90 days before application) or credit card statement (dated less than 60 days before applying)
    • Deed/title, mortgage or rental/lease agreement; property tax bill
    • Insurance policy (current coverage for automobile, homeowner’s, health or medical, or renters)
    • Medical claim or statement of benefits (from a hospital or health clinic, a private insurance company, or public (government) agency, dated less than 12 months before applying)
    • Tuition invoice/official mail from college or university (dated less than the 12 months before applying)
    • Utility bill, including, but not limited to, those for electric, water, refuse, telephone land-line, cellular phone, cable, or gas (issued less than 60 days before applying)
    • W-2 from the most recent tax year 

• A passport-style photograph
  • If you take the photo on your own or utilize the services of a passport vendor, be mindful that it must have been:
    • Done in the last 30 days 
    • Photographed against a plain, white, or off-white backdrop 
    • In a natural color with no filters
    • Show a complete view of your face looking toward the camera with a neutral facial expression and both eyes open 
    • Not wearing a hat, glasses, or anything that obstructs the face 
    • Be at least 2 inches by 2 inches in size
  • Herbal Remedies is happy to take a compliant photograph should we assist you with the online application to get your card.

Grab a computer and head on over to the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System website (at etk.icts.illinois.gov). Mobile and tablet devices cannot access this website at this time. 

• Click the blue “MCPP Patient Registration” button to create an account and follow any outlined instructions. 
• So long as your health care professional has completed the online certification in advance, you can now click the “+ New MCPP Patient Registration” button when logged in to begin the online application process. 
• Carefully complete every online application section, including uploading any required applicant items, and submit accordingly.

That’s it! You’ve successfully applied for your Illinois medical cannabis card. You’ll receive a 90-day provisional letter (granting temporary access) within 48 hours while the state reviews your application in further detail. This letter is accessible when logged into your account and must be printed and brought with you to the medical dispensary. Upon application approval, you can log in and print your medical card. If your application is denied, you will be notified via email on the reason why and how you may be able to correct any discrepancies.