Medical marijuana was legalized in the state of Illinois in 2013. Five years have passed, and there is still considerable confusion about where to get medical marijuana and who in Cook County can buy it.
At last count, there were over 50 dispensaries in Illinois. About 10 dispensaries are in Chicago. A further 21 are located in the surrounding suburbs.
What Is the Medical Marijuana Law in Illinois?
A qualifying patient or the patient’s caregiver can purchase medical marijuana. Medical marijuana can only be obtained from a licensed dispensary. Although the law was enacted in 2013, dispensaries started selling medical marijuana in late 2014.
The program in Illinois is very restrictive. The process is regulated from planting to sale. A finite number of dispensaries have been granted a license, and the same holds for growing facilities.
Getting a Prescription for Medical Marijuana
To be eligible to purchase medical marijuana, the card applicant must have been diagnosed with one or more of 41 specific medical conditions recognized by the state. The conditions include cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury. The first step in obtaining a medical marijuana card is to consult with a physician. Once the physician agrees medical marijuana is a viable treatment alternative, he or she will apply for the card on the patient’s behalf. The physician must support his or her opinion with appropriate documentation.
A card with up to three years validity can be purchased. The Illinois Department of Health will notify you before your card’s expiration date. If you let the card expire, you will have to go through the application process anew.
Once Qualified, Where Can a Patient Buy Medical Marijuana?
When applying for a medical marijuana card, the patient must choose a dispensary where he or she will make purchases. The dispensary can be changed if necessary. Once approved, the patient or the patient’s dedicated caregiver can buy the product.
Do you want to know where to get medical marijuana? If you live in Cook County, visit Greenhouse. For dispensary locations and further information, visit Website Url.
