How to Get A Illinois Medical Cannabis Card
Get Your Medical Card in 3 Easy Steps and Start Saving Today!
All new medical patients receive a $100 discount card at nuEra* (SEE FAQ BELOW)
Follow These Simple Steps to Get Your Illinois Medical Cannabis Card
STEP 1: Get Your Medical Cannabis Patient Certificate
Visit a certified healthcare professional to obtain your patient certificate. This document verifies your qualifying condition and is the first step toward accessing medical cannabis in Illinois. Certification can also be done via telemedicine/video chat.
Or book a sesh and we’ll help you through the process.
STEP 2: Complete Your Medical Cannabis Application
Apply online through the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System.
STEP 3: Visit Your Local nuEra Dispensary
Once your application is approved, you can visit your nearest nuEra location. Bring your provisional letter or digital card to start accessing your exclusive patient benefits!
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR NUERA MEDICAL PATIENTS
Stackable Savings for Patients
At nuEra, being a medical patient means more than just tax savings. While your purchases are already 30-40% lower due to tax incentives, we take it a step further by offering additional discounts, promos, and loyalty points that stack on top of those savings. Unlike many Recreational-Only dispensaries, where your medical discount is the only perk, we let you combine your tax savings with our regular promotions for even more value. It’s our way of ensuring that your experience is both cost-effective and rewarding.
Priority Service
Skip the lines with streamlined medical patient check-in and dedicated medical sales terminals at all nuEra locations.
Patient Discounts
Enjoy ongoing savings on your purchases, with an additional $100 off your first 4 orders as a new patient ($25 off a $100 spend over 4 visits within the first 60 days of your registration).
Personalized Care
Receive tailored recommendations from our knowledgeable staff to help you choose the best products for your condition, and even have a caregiver pick up for you.
Dedicated Medical Patient Advisor (MPA)
Our MPAs are available for free 1:1 consultations to help answer patient questions. Book your sesh by clicking the button below.
Higher Purchasing Limits
Illinois law allows registered patients and/or their designated caregivers to purchase 2.5 ounces of cannabis products during a period of 14 days from a registered Illinois dispensary. Patients can apply for an increased allotment. If you want to learn more, click the button below to talk to a nuEra MPA about this.
Caregiver Pickup
As an Illinois medical patient, you can designate up to 3 separate caregivers to pick up products for you. To talk to a nuEra Medical Patient Advisor about how to set up a caregiver on your account, click the button below.
INFORMATION FOR VETERANS
There are so many different ways Medical Cannabis can help the men and women who have served our country. Veterans need to confirm through the office of Veteran Affairs that they are permitted to use medical Cannabis as part of their certified provider recommendation without consequence to their current position or health care system. If permitted, follow the steps above.
Patient at a VA Facility?
If you are currently receiving care at a V.A. Hospital, you do NOT need to provide a physician’s written certification
Forms Needed
You will need a valid ID as well as copies of the following forms: VA Form DD214
Vets get 10% discount at nuEra
As a token of our appreciation for your service, Veteran Medical Patients qualify for a 10% discount at all NuEra locations
NEED HELP?
Finding the application process too difficult? Book a consultation with one of our staff members and we’ll help you every step of the way!
MORE BENEFITS OF GETTING YOUR MED CARD
Effective January 1, 2020, registered Illinois Medical patients can buy cannabis seeds and grow up to five plants for personal consumption. Home grows are still illegal for everyone else.
Medical patients get first dibs in dispensaries that serve both Adult Use and Medical customers.
A Medical patient may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis during a 14-day period, and can also apply for a waiver to increase that amount.
Curbside Pick up is now permanent and only available to Medical Patients. This allows you receive your order in expedited manner without having to wait in line or even leave your vehicle. First you must place an order, select “CURBSIDE PICKUP” and follow further instructions. Learn how to make your online pre-order HERE Curbside Pickup is ONLY offered at our Chicago, East Peoria and Urbana locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions qualify for a medical Cannabis card in Illinois?
To qualify, you must have a debilitating condition such as cancer, epilepsy, chronic pain, or PTSD, among others. A full list of qualifying conditions is available at the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
How do I renew my Illinois medical Cannabis card?
Renewing your medical marijuana card is easy. Simply log in to the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System, select the renewal option, and follow the prompts. Remember to renew before your current card expires to avoid any lapse in benefits. Book a session with the nuEra team if you can use any assistance.
How much does it cost to get a medical Cannabis card in Illinois?
Doctor’s Certification Fees
If your primary care physician is able to do qualifying condition certifications for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Program, the cost is just your co-pay for your doctor’s visit. Certifications from outside your health care plan registered nurses or doctors costs between $75 – $150.State Certification Fees
1-year = $50, 2-year = $100, 3-year = $125. There are further reductions for Veterans, Seniors and SSI/SSDI recipients as well.What are the benefits of being a medical Cannabis patient at nuEra?
As a medical patient at nuEra, you receive priority service, access to exclusive products, and up to $100 off your first purchases (if you are within 60 days of certification or renewal). You’ll also enjoy lower taxes and ongoing discounts for all your cannabis needs.
What is the $100 new medical patient punch card?
All brand new and renewing Medical Patients get a $100 discount card to help offset the registration fees to the State of Illinois. The discount card must be used within the first 60 days of your registration with the State and is good for $25 off of a $100 purchase over 4 visits total.
*Up to 3 punches can be used on 1 visit (3 punches would be $75 off $300 spend)
*Only available at our Medical locations (Chicago, East Peoria, Urbana)Can I use my Illinois medical Cannabis card in other states?
Some states offer reciprocity, allowing you to use your Illinois medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis. However, laws vary by state, so it’s best to check the regulations of the state you plan to visit.
How do I find a healthcare professional to certify my condition?
nuEra can help connect you with a certified healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program. Contact us to get started.
Are The Prices Different For Adult Use Vs. Medical?
Product prices for Medical and Adult use are the same but the tax on Adult Use products are REALLY HIGH!
*Please note that all prices on our menus already INCLUDE TAXESMedical Taxes
Medical Patients pay between 1% – 2.25% tax on top of the retail prices
Adult Use Taxes
Adult use customers pay a State Excise tax:
– Cannabis infused products (Edibles, *Vapes, Topicals, Tinctures) – ADD 20% tax
– Cannabis w/THC level at or below 35% – (Most Flower & Pre-rolls) – ADD 10% tax
– Cannabis w/THC level above 35% (Some Flower & most Concentrates) – ADD 25% tax
*Please note that extracts used for inhalation (vaping) now fall into the infused product category (regardless of their THC content) and qualify for tax at 20%.
BUT WAIT
Adult Use customers also pay a Municipal or County Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax on top of that:
-Chicago – 16.25%
-East Peoria – 14.5%
-Urbana – 15%
Summary
-Chicago: Edibles, Topical, Tinctures & Vapes have 36.25% tax added onto the retail price | Most Flower & Pre-rolls have 26.25% tax added onto the retail price | Some Flower & Concentrates have 41.25% tax added onto the retail price
-East Peoria: Edibles, Topical, Tinctures & Vapes have 34.5% tax added onto the retail price | Most Flower & Pre-rolls have 24.5% tax added onto the retail price | Some Flower & Concentrates have 39.5% tax added onto the retail price
-Urbana: Edibles, Topical, Tinctures & Vapes have 35% tax added onto the retail price | Most Flower & Pre-rolls have 25% tax added onto the retail price | Some Flower & Concentrates have 40% tax added onto the retail price
Our suggestion – if you are eligible, GET YOUR MEDICAL CARD!
What do I need to bring to my appointment when getting help obtaining my medical card?
– Valid and accessible email address
– Valid Driver’s License/State ID (If your address does not match the one listed on your ID, please bring another proof of residence)
– If you are a Veteran, please bring a copy of your DD214
– If you are receiving care at a VA facility, please bring a copy of the last 12 months of your medical records from the VA (available online)
– If you receive SSI/SSDI, please bring a copy of your Benefit Verification Letter dated within the last 12 months
– If you are 65+ years of age, you DO NOT need to submit any additional documentation to receive a discounted application fee
– Please bring a debit or credit card for payment of State fees (cash not accepted)
I completed my renewal, but when I print my card, it shows the same expiration date. When will I receive my new card?
Medical cards are not mailed by the IDFPR. Patients need to print renewed medical cards from their account. Once your status says “Extension/Renewal completed,” no further action is necessary. Your card will update the day after your current card expires.
Do you accept an expired driver’s license or an out of state driver’s license/state IDs?
Expired driver’s licenses or state IDs will not be accepted when applying for a medical cannabis card in Illinois. It’s important that you provide a current, valid form of identification. If the address on your valid ID doesn’t match the address listed on your application, you will need to submit one additional proof of residency to verify that you live in Illinois.
Out-of-state IDs are acceptable for proof of identity; however, you will still need to provide a document that confirms you are a resident of Illinois.
Acceptable Proofs of Residency
If your current ID doesn’t reflect your current Illinois address, or if you are using an out-of-state ID, you can provide one of the following documents as proof of Illinois residency:
1. Utility bill (dated within the last 60 days)
2. Bank statement (dated within the last 60 days)
3. Lease or rental agreement
4. Illinois voter registration card
5. Insurance policy (homeowner’s or renter’s, dated within the last 60 days)
6. Illinois tax return (from the most recent year)
7. Paystub or W-2 from your employer
8. Official mail from a federal, state, or local government agency (dated within the last 60 days)
These documents should display your name and Illinois address clearly. Once you have the necessary documentation, you’ll be well on your way to completing your medical cannabis card application! If you have any questions about which documents to use, our staff is available to help guide you through the process.
I had my card for one year, do I need to obtain the doctor's certification again?
No, the doctor’s certification is valid for 3 years. As long as you do not let it expire, you can renew for 1 or 2 more years before having to receive the doctor’s certification again.
Can I get guidance on which products might be most suitable for me?
Our dedicated medical patient advisors offer FREE consultations to help you find a regimen that best meets your needs. You can book a session right here!
I have difficulty with technology, can I get assistance in printing my medical card?
At nuEra, we understand that technology can be challenging, and we’re here to make things easier for you. Whether you need help accessing your medical cannabis card online or prefer to have a physical copy, our staff is ready to assist every step of the way.
If you’re having trouble navigating the online system to download your card, feel free to bring your login information during your next visit, and we’ll guide you through the process. We can help you access the digital version of your card and save it to your phone for easy access, so you’ll never have to worry about misplacing it.
If you prefer to have a physical copy, we can print one for you at the dispensary. Additionally, we offer the option to laminate your card during your visit, making it more durable for carrying in your wallet or bag.
Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with how you store and access your medical cannabis card. No matter what type of assistance you need, we’re here to help! Just let our staff know, and we’ll make sure you leave with a card that works best for you.
How does a minor medical card work?
For patients under the age of 18, the process to obtain a medical cannabis card is slightly different from adults. A caregiver, typically a parent or legal guardian, must apply for and be responsible for purchasing and administering the medical cannabis products on the minor’s behalf. The caregiver must also be approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and will receive their own caregiver medical cannabis card, which grants them permission to buy and transport cannabis products for the minor.
Minors are restricted to purchasing only ingestible forms of cannabis, such as tinctures, oils, edibles, and capsules. They are not allowed to purchase or use smokable forms like flower or concentrates. The physician certifying the minor must confirm that medical cannabis is appropriate for treating their qualifying condition.
Once the patient turns 18, they are no longer considered a minor in the program and can apply for their own medical cannabis card. As an adult patient, they are not restricted to ingestible forms and can purchase any products available on the medical cannabis menu, including flower, concentrates, topicals, and more.
Caregivers can assist minors throughout their entire treatment process by visiting the dispensary on their behalf and providing the necessary products, ensuring that minors have safe and regulated access to their medical cannabis.
Can I shop at more than one medical dispensary?
In Illinois, medical cannabis patients are no longer required to designate one specific dispensary. You can shop at any licensed medical dispensary in the state without needing to notify the state or make any changes to your account. This flexibility ensures that you can access the products and services that best suit your needs.
What restrictions do I have while traveling with cannabis and a medical license?
Cannabis may be possessed within a vehicle by either the driver and/or passengers but only in a sealed, odor-proof, child-resistant container that is reasonably inaccessible while the vehicle is moving.
Does having a medical card give you access to a different menu?
Yes, having a medical cannabis card not only gives you access to a wider variety of products but also comes with higher possession limits compared to recreational customers. As a medical patient, you can purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis every two weeks, and certain products, like high-CBD formulations and other specialized options, may be more readily available to medical patients. While we’re also considering offering exclusive products at our medical locations, your higher possession limits allow you to better manage your medical needs. Stay tuned for future updates!
Still have questions?
Please contact us and we will do our best to answer any questions!