An Illinois-licensed health care professional can certify a qualifying condition for the IDPH Medical Cannabis Patient Program — and patients can register designated caregivers to help them along the way.
Illinois's Medical Cannabis Patient Program is run by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
An Illinois-licensed physician, APRN, or physician assistant certifies the qualifying condition.
The patient applies with IDPH and can designate caregivers on the same application.
Shop at dispensaries that serve medical patients while IDPH reviews the application.
The patient and each caregiver receive their own digital registry card.
A designated caregiver can buy and handle medical cannabis on a patient's behalf. Here's what IDPH allows.
Patients can add them on their application.
Caregivers must also be Illinois residents.
For a 1-, 2-, or 3-year term, set by IDPH.
Generally, a caregiver may serve only one patient.
For patients under 18: at least one caregiver must be a parent or legal guardian, one caregiver is included at no charge with the minor's application, and caregivers of minors may buy only cannabis-infused products, not flower.
Based on IDPH's registry card fees and program pages. Ask IDPH about any special circumstances.
Patient card, 1 to 3 years
Reduced patient fee for qualifying veterans and SSI/SSDI
Each caregiver card, 1 to 3 years
Patient state tax rate, with no cannabis excise tax
From IDPH. The certification visit is separate.
IDPH recognizes dozens of debilitating conditions. A sample:
Also: adults 21+ with a condition for which an opioid has been or could be prescribed can use the separate Opioid Alternative Patient Program, with renewable 90-day certifications. See the full list from IDPH.
Elmhurst prohibits cannabis businesses within city limits, so patients and caregivers shop in neighboring towns. EarthMed in Addison, next door, says it serves medical patients as well as adult-use customers.
Caregivers, bring your own registry card and photo ID. Find others that serve patients on the state's dispensary list.
Gardens, shade trees, and the historic glass conservatory — a peaceful outing for patients and caregivers alike.
“My husband has Parkinson's. I'm his caregiver, and our son is the second one, so one of us can always make the pickup.”
— Diane K., Elmhurst“I didn't realize caregivers get their own card. Once mine came through, I could handle everything for my dad.”
— Brian S., ElmhurstUp to three. Patients can add them on their IDPH application.
An Illinois resident 21 or older, designated by the patient, who generally serves only that one patient.
No. Home grow is only for registered patients 21 and older.
At least one caregiver must be a parent or legal guardian, and one caregiver is included free with the minor's application.
On the IDPH Medical Cannabis pages.
Elmhurst, in eastern DuPage County, is home to Elmhurst University, the Elmhurst Art Museum with its Mies van der Rohe house, and Wilder Park's historic conservatory. It's a close-knit community where many families care for loved ones at home. Elmhurst residents follow the same statewide rules as every patient in Illinois's Medical Cannabis Patient Program.
The medical program operates under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act (410 ILCS 130). Adult-use sales for those 21 and older began in 2020 under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which lets towns like Elmhurst prohibit cannabis businesses.
Public use is prohibited and driving impaired is illegal. Federally, state-licensed medical cannabis moved to Schedule III in 2026, but it remains a controlled substance, and adult-use cannabis remains in Schedule I. See IDPH for current rules.
Appointments with Illinois-licensed health care professionals.