If you need a medical card, whether you're applying for the first time or renewing an existing one, this guide will walk you through both processes.

Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to get a medical card and renew your medical card to ensure you stay compliant and continue receiving the benefits you need.

This article is your guide to getting your medical cannabis card in Illinois and enjoying the perks that come with it. It covers the benefits like tax savings, exclusive discounts, priority services, and the ability to grow your own cannabis, along with a step-by-step process to get certified. 

Welcome to the RISE community! Becoming a patient is easy and we're thrilled to guide you through the process of receiving your medical card in Illinois. Upon receiving your medical card, you'll gain access to a host of exclusive benefits designed to elevate your experience and make your wellness journey even more rewarding. 

Having your medical cannabis card opens the door to a variety of perks that go beyond what adult-use consumers can access. Here are some of the top benefits you'll enjoy as a patient when you shop with us at RISE: 

1. Pay Fewer Taxes: As a new patient enrolled in the program, you'll enjoy significant tax savings on your medical cannabis purchases compared to adult-use customers. Pro Tip: See the financial benefits of having a medical card by using our tax calculator. It's a great tool to see how much money you can save on your purchases each year.  

2. Receive In-Store Discounts: Get access to exclusive discounts on a wide range of products when you shop at any of our RISE Dispensary locations. 

3. Access to Priority Services: Skip the lines and enjoy priority service whenever you visit our dispensaries. We're here to make your experience as seamless and educational as possible. 

4. Buy and have more at once: Patients can buy 2.5 times as much as adult-use consumers. Patients can purchase up to 2.5 oz every 14 days. 

5. Grow your own cannabis: Patients can grow their own plants at home and consume what they grow for themselves. 

6. Guaranteed product availability: Illinois dispensaries must maintain medical cannabis stock for patients to guarantee availability. That means even during shortages for adult users, medical patients still have access. 

The state of Illinois’s Department of Public Health oversees the Medical Cannabis Patient Program (MCPP). You must be diagnosed with a qualifying debilitating condition to be eligible. Follow these steps to get certified and registered for your medical cannabis card: 

Physician Certification Process 

1. Schedule a Consultation Appointment: Book an appointment with your primary care physician or other qualified healthcare provider.  

2. Complete the Certification: During your consultation, your physician will evaluate your eligibility and complete the necessary certification. 

3. Pay the Certification Fee: Once your certification is complete, you'll need to pay the associated fee. Pro Tip: Complete the Medical Card Assistance Request Form to receive a special discount on your physician consultation appointment directly to your inbox. 

Medical Program Registry Process 

Once your physician certification is complete, your physician will assign it to you in the state registry. To complete your Qualifying Patient Application, use the new patient guide and follow the steps below:

1. Create an account with the ILogin System using the MCPP Patient Registration portal;

2. Select "Adult Medical Cannabis Patient";

3. Complete your information within the patient form fields;

4. Select the Certification Number provided by your Health Care Professional (HCP) from the drop-down menu in the Health Records section.

5. Complete the Proof of Identity section; gather and upload appropriate documents including Government ID, proof of residency, and photo.

6. Pay the application fee of $50;

7. Download and save your "Provisional Letter" to your device to use when you shop at RISE while you wait for your digital card;

8. Upon approval, download your Medical Cannabis Card to your device. Note that physical cards are no longer mailed to patients.

Our Patient Guide offers a comprehensive overview of how cannabis can enhance well-being through high-quality, tested products. It covers essential topics such as the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes, methods of consumption, dosing, and guidance for how to select products to meet your individual needs. Explore the full guide and discover how RISE can support your journey to better health. 

Before shopping with RISE, it's important to know what to expect and be prepared. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate your visit: 

1. Visit risecannabis.com to place an order. 

2. Filter the menu based on “Feelings” or "Activities." 

3. Gather your required documents to shop including your ID and digital Medical Card. 

4. Bring cash or debit card with you when you make your purchases. 

5. Join RISE Rewards and earn your way to savings and insider perks!

Don't miss out on these incredible benefits and savings. Get certified today and take advantage of everything RISE has to offer.  

If you need additional assistance, scroll down and chat with us! We're here to help you every step of the way. 

Know someone that may benefit from having their medical cannabis card in Illinois? Sharing is caring!  

This article is your guide to renewing your medical cannabis card in Illinois and continuing to enjoy the perks of being a medical patient at RISE. It covers the benefits like tax savings, exclusive discounts, priority services, and the ability to grow your own cannabis, along with a step-by-step renewal process. 

As a valued member of the RISE community, we want to ensure your experience remains seamless, especially when it comes to renewing your Illinois medical cannabis card. Let’s keep the good vibes rolling and make sure you continue to take advantage of the fantastic perks that come with being a medical patient at RISE! 

Renewing your medical cannabis card is essential to continue accessing the exclusive benefits that come with being a medical patient at RISE. These benefits include: 

1. Pay Fewer Taxes: As a new patient enrolled in the program, you'll enjoy significant tax savings on your medical cannabis purchases compared to adult-use customers. Pro Tip: See the financial benefits of having a medical card by using our tax calculator. It's a great tool to see how much money you can save on your purchases each year.  

2. Receive In-Store Discounts: Get access to exclusive discounts on a wide range of products when you shop at any of our RISE Dispensary locations. 

3. Access to Priority Services: Skip the lines and enjoy priority service whenever you visit our dispensaries. We're here to make your experience as seamless and educational as possible. 

4. Buy and have more at once: Patients can buy 2.5 times as much as adult-use consumers. Patients can purchase up to 2.5 oz every 14 days. 

5. Grow your own cannabis: Patients can grow their own plants at home and consume what they grow for themselves. 

6. Guaranteed product availability: Illinois dispensaries must maintain medical cannabis stock for patients to guarantee availability. That means even during shortages for adult users, medical patients still have access. 

Currently, the medical cannabis program, managed by the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) has two types of renewals: 

1. An extension renewal: A yearly incremental renewal for patients that did not purchase a three-year card at the onset of registering and wish to continue with the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. No Health Care Professional Certification is required for this type of extension. IDPH will send a courtesy e-mail about your extension renewal (one-year incremental renewal) approximately 45 days prior to expiration date on the medical cannabis registry card. 

2. A full recertification renewal: A renewal for patients that have had their cards for three years or whose card has expired. Full recertification renewal will require patients to go see their certifying health care professional for a new updated on-line health care professional certification as well as additional documents. First, you must schedule an appointment with your certifying physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Pro Tip: Complete the Medical Card Assistance Request Form to receive a special discount on your physician recertification appointment directly to your inbox. 

Review details about the renewal process on the IDPH website.

Explore the wide variety of products RISE has to offer. From edibles and tinctures to concentrates and topicals, discover new ways to elevate your wellness journey and enhance your experience. Learn about vaporizers, pipes, bongs, and other gear that can help you consume cannabis in a way that suits your preferences and unique needs. Have questions before you make your purchase? Our Patient Care Specialists are on hand to help guide you to safe, responsible, and enjoyable consumption. 

Renew your medical card today and continue taking full advantage of everything RISE has to offer. Complete the Medical Card Assistance Request Form to receive a special discount on the physician recertification fee and be on your way to better health and wellness. 

If you need additional assistance, scroll down and chat with us! We're here to help you every step of the way. 

Know someone that may benefit from having their medical certification in Illinois? Sharing is caring!