Welcome

Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program

On August 28, 2018, the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (Public Act 100-1114) became effective. While certain provisions can be implemented immediately, there is significant work which must be completed done before the program can be implemented. The Act requires IDPH and the other agencies involved in the program to adopt emergency administrative rules by December 1, 2018. IDPH will also have to make changes in the registration process to implement the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program. The provisions of P.A. 100-1114 which became effective immediately are:

• Patients and Designated Caregivers applying for a Medical Cannabis registry card do not need to submit fingerprints or consent to a background check as part of their application.
• No business or person may charge patients for help filling out applications. If a patient needs help with the application process, they visit a participating local health department for free help. Many medical cannabis dispensaries can also help a patient fill out the application at no charge.
• Certifying physicians are required to have a relationship with the patient established at a physician’s office, hospital, or other healthcare facility and the physician must have an ongoing responsibility for the patient’s assessment, care, and treatment.

Please watch this webpage or check the Illinois Department of Public Health website www.dph.illinois.gov regularly for updates.

​Applying for the Medical Cannabis Registry Program? Click here.

Patients and caregivers may register with the Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program. For any questions regarding patient and caregiver registration, call or email the DPH Division of Medical Cannabis at 855-636-3688 or DPH.MedicalCannabis@illinois.gov. Patients may also print applications from mcpp.illinois.gov and mail their applications to DPH at:​

Need help completing your registry card application? Click here.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is partnering with certified local health departments (LHD) to provide assistance to qualifying patients with completing their applications for the Medical Cannabis Registry Program. There is no charge for this assistance, however, costs associated with registration fees and other requirements (i.e., passport photo, fingerprint background check, etc.) are the responsibility of the applicant.