What's New For Cannabis in Illinois?
There have been a lot of changes recently in Illinois when it comes to our beloved cannabis plant. A new program has launched in the state, and now, even more patients can sign up and receive their medical marijuana card in half the time! Things are happening fast here and more laws and policies are constantly changing and taking effect.
As of January 31, 2019, patients who are prescribed opioids can register for the new Illinois Opioid Alternative Pilot Program. This program runs a little bit differently than the Pilot Program that has been in place since 2013, but it still allows patients the same quantity of cannabis to purchase and use. Patients registered in the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (OAPP) are only allowed a registration period of 90 days, whereas patients involved in the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program (MCPP) can register for up to 3 years. The cost is a little bit different for OAPP patients as well. Every 90 days, the patient must register again with the state to continue to purchase medical cannabis. Upon registration, there is a $10 fee every time the patient renews their card. Another difference with this new program, is that patients cannot change dispensaries within the 90 days of having their card. If the patient chooses to change dispensaries, they will have to request a change when they submit their renewal form after the 90 days. With the OAPP in place, this makes it easier for patients to find relief instead of using the opioids, which can be extremely addictive and harmful to the body over a long period of time.
Now that patients can apply for an MMJ card with the OAPP in effect, it makes it easier and faster for patients to get their card. Once upon a time, a new patient registering in the pilot program had to pay an extra fee for fingerprinting and go through a rigorous background check, leaving many sick patients unable to apply for their card. At that time, new patients applying for their card had to wait 3 months or more for this beautiful piece of plastic to arrive in the mail. Today, a new patient can apply for their card, whether they are enrolling in the MCPP or OAPP, and pay all of their fees online with a debit or credit card. There is no longer an extra fee for fingerprints and patients do not need to go through a background check to apply. All of the information must be scanned in and emailed to the Illinois Department of Health. The new patient will then receive access to an online portal with the state to which they are able to print out a temporary provisional access letter. That provisional access letter will allow the patient to shop at the dispensary while they wait for their plastic card to arrive in the mail.
Jason Hoffman / Thrillist
This is only the beginning for medical cannabis in Illinois as new office officials are leaving office or taking their place in their rightful roles to help serve the city and state. Representative Bob Morgan has proposed a bill that will ultimately make the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program permanent, as it does have a deadline in the year 2020. Within this new proposal will be the addition of new qualifying conditions like chronic pain and migraines (YES)! Doctors will be able to research the cannabis plant and also be paid for their time in doing so!
Now, with J.B. Pritzker as governor of the state of Illinois, he is aggresively making the pathway to recreational use more attainable than ever. There are rumors that he is to sign the bill within the next month and we could see changes within our medical cannabis dispensaries happening immediately. Dispensaries may start serving cannabis to the public as early as the beginning of 2020. With that being said, if you are seeking medical cannabis, still apply for the card, as medical patients will receive a tax break.
It is wonderful to be a part of this fast-paced industry, and with all of this new access to medical cannabis, it make my job as a budtender so challenging, but in the best ways possible! Our dispensary has seen an incredible influx of new patients within the last few months, and it hasn’t slowed down yet. If you are interested in more information or need help registering for either of the programs, Midway Dispensary offers application assistance Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 11am - 6pm. The assistance and additional information is free, so please don’t hesitate to come in and visit us!
Posted by Kim Riot 4/14/19
IMPORTANT LINKS
Provisional Access to Medical Marijuana: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/medical-cannabis-registry-application
Bob Morgan’s Bill: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/medical-cannabis-registry-application
Midway Dispensary: https://midwaydispensary.com/
