Illinois Medical Patient & Applicant Important Updates

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Illinois medical cannabis cardholders should NOT switch medical dispensaries at this time

6/23/2021 Illinois medical cannabis cardholders should NOT attempt to do an online IDPH change-of-dispensary at this time on the new medical cannabis program website (etk.icts.illinois.gov) released June 22nd. This issue will cause the system to see multiple accounts and then error out thus preventing patients/caregivers from purchasing at either the new or old dispensary. This notice will be updated upon resolution of this matter by IDPH. 

Now easier & cheaper to get an Illinois medical cannabis card!

6/22/2021 – Are you buying recreational cannabis? Illinois residents with a qualifying medical condition can save 23-38% on cannabis products by becoming medical cardholders! In addition, the state recently released updates to the medical cannabis program, including:

  • 50% reduced application fees (pay as little as $50/year*)
  • Health care professionals’ certifications and medical card applications are online-only (etk.icts.illinois.gov)
  • Fewer items needed to apply, including a health care certification, an email address, a debit/credit/prepaid card, a non-expired Illinois ID/ driver’s license**, and a passport-style photo
  • Receive printable medical card 24 hours or less after applying online (no 10-14 day wait time to receive a mailed card)
  • Applicants can designate up to 3 caregivers***
  • Applicants with lifelong qualifying conditions designated by their health care professional can get a three-year card for $50*
  • Applicants 65+ years of age, veterans, and those receiving disability benefits may be eligible for even further reduced application fees

Find more info at x2italxak4-staging.onrocket.site/get-an-illinois-medical-cannabis-card

*Not inclusive of a 2.25% IDPH online processing fee

**Additional proof of residency required if applicant address isn’t current

***A caregiver can serve only one patient

New registry system launching June 2021 to impact existing Illinois patients & applicants!

6/4/2021 IDPH Press Release – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is converting the existing Medical Cannabis Registry to a new system – Entellitrak. The conversion process will require the current system to go down beginning June 7, 2021. New applicants and current patients will not be able to access the online system to submit applications or change dispensaries until the new system is available on June 22, 2021. Patients whose cards will expire soon after the new system is in place on June 22, 2021 will receive auto-generated emails detailing the process for renewals and extensions.

Entellitrak is already being utilized for registrants in the Opioid Alternative Program. Conversion of the Medical Cannabis Registry system will allow for reduced fees, allowances for lifelong conditions, and the ability for patients to have three caregivers.

The new registry will allow patients to access their online account at any time to check status, submit demographic changes, and make payments using a credit card. Patients will also be able to print their own paper registry cards once approved, eliminating the wait time for a card to be mailed to them from a printing vendor.

The new registry is set to go live on June 22, 2021. Current active patients will receive an email prior to June 22, 2021 with information about where to find additional documentation about the new application procedures. Going forward, all communication from the registry will be through email. If an email address was not given with the current applications or has changed and not been updated, these patients will not receive this information. When the new system is live, patients will be able to log in and update their email if necessary. Patients must also mark DPH.medicalcannabis@illinois.gov as safe email to reduce the possibility of system emails going to spam inboxes.

Questions may be emailed to – DPH.medicalcannabis@illinois.gov

Medical Cannabis Program representatives are available by phone at 1-855-636-3688 Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

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