Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people consume cannabis in Illinois.
Medical Marijuana or Recreational Consumption in Illinois?
In Illinois, the big question is medical marijuana or recreational weed? But, then there’s also where can you go and what are the rules? Put simply, there are significant differences when it comes to the medical and adult-use marijuana programs in Illinois, with each requiring various investments of time and money. If you’re budget-conscious, it’s important to look at short-term and long-term investments in purchasing cannabis in the Prairie State.
Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Illinois
There is significant cost savings when you become a medical marijuana patient in Illinois – you save up to 35% in taxes! A legal resident of Illinois, at any age, can get a medical marijuana card if a licensed professional certifies you as being diagnosed with one of the accepted debilitating conditions.
You may book your appointment with a licensed pro in person or on an online platform, like HelloMD. If you’re under the age of 18, you’ll need a caregiver — parents or legal guardian — to sign up along with you. Adults may also assign a caregiver. Registered Caregivers must be over the age of 21, and are able to purchase cannabis products on behalf of the patient in medical dispensaries.
Applying for the Medical Marijuana Program in Illinois
Once you’re certified by a healthcare professional, go online and apply for the Medical Marijuana Program on the online Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program. You’ll be asked to choose a dispensary, but unlike a year ago you’ll no longer be locked into only a single dispensary. In late June, the state changed the rules, and medical patients may now shop at any medical dispensary in Illinois.
You’ll need to pay the fee for the medical marijuana program card, valid for one, two or three years, which costs $25 – $300, but additional caregivers may change the fee structure.
Save Money Purchasing Cannabis in Illinois
Despite an initial outlay of fees, the benefits to becoming a medical patient are long-term. In Illinois a meager 1% sales tax is added onto your medical marijuana products — no other taxes or fees! — and you’ll be able to purchase as much as 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of cannabis every two weeks. A registered patient may also ask their doctor to officially up that limit.
If you’re considering growing your own weed, you MAY ONLY do this if you are a registered medical marijuana patient. You may have up to five plants for personal use (check your home property/ rental agreements beforehand).
Recreational Cannabis in Illinois
If you’re 21 or older, and a legal resident of Illinois, recreational or adult-use cannabis is available for your purchase from any of the Adult Use dispensaries
Adult users may legally purchase up to 30 grams of weed (about half the amount a medical patient may purchase), 5 grams of concentrate, and edibles with up to 500mg of THC. An Illinois visitor may possess up to half these amounts.
Many medical and adult-use dispensaries have online ordering and curbside pickup, so you don’t have to wait in long lines. Check dispensary websites for their rules and policies.
Suppose you’re planning on using cannabis only occasionally, and doing so recreationally. In that case, adult-use purchases are quick and easy, and you might not even blink at all the taxes tacked on to your purchase.
The tax structure on recreational adult-use products is:
20% tax on infused products, the 10%
25% retail excise tax (calculated based on THC percentages)
7% wholesale privilege tax
6.25% sales tax, and the local sales tax — all of which will be added to your total at the cash register, (prepare yourself).
Finding a Weed Dispensary in Illinois
It’s not hard to find a dispensary in Illinois. It’s about as easy as throwing a rock until you find one! Verilife offers medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries that are conveniently located throughout Illinois. They experience is highly personalized with cannabis expert on hand to advise and help you.
Need Your Medical Marijuana Card?
But, if you’re someone who’s looking for relief that only cannabis can give you, or you’re making cannabis part of a daily health regime, you may want to circle back and have another look at becoming a certified medical marijuana patient in Illinois.
HelloMD can help you with online virtual medical consultation and get your medical card fast, easy and private.
