Cancer and medical marijuana in Illinois: do you qualify?
Yes. The Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program) lists Cancer as a qualifying condition. An Illinois-licensed provider still has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
About cancer
Stronger evidence. The National Academies found conclusive evidence that oral cannabinoids prevent and treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. There is not enough evidence that cannabis treats or cures cancer.
Symptoms Illinois patients most often hope to ease:
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Cancer-related pain
- Burning or tingling nerve pain from chemotherapy
- Trouble sleeping
Read more: medical marijuana for cancer.
How to get certified in Illinois
- Create a State of Illinois iLogin account and sign in to the IDPH Medical Cannabis Patient portal.
- See an Illinois-licensed health care provider (in person or by telemedicine) who certifies your qualifying condition online.
- Start an Adult Medical Cannabis Patient application and enter your details and Illinois ID.
- Link your provider's certification within 90 days of the exam.
- Choose a 1, 2 or 3-year card, add any caregivers, and pay the fee.
- Use the provisional letter (temporary card) to start buying at a licensed medical dispensary while your card is processed.
Illinois allows the evaluation by telehealth, so you can see an Illinois-licensed provider by video. Our evaluation starts at $79 and is charged only if you're approved.
Costs and timeline
- State fee: $50 (1 year), $100 (2 years), $125 (3 years) ($25 / $50 / $75 for veterans and SSI or SSDI recipients)
- Card lasts: 1, 2 or 3 years (patient's choice)
- Processing: Provisional access while the card is processed
- Patient limit: 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis per 14-day period (a provider can request a waiver for more)
- Home grow: Up to 5 plants for registered medical patients
- Recreational sales: Legal for adults 21+
- First visit online: Yes
See the full Illinois cost breakdown and Illinois program overview.
Other qualifying conditions in Illinois
- ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anorexia & appetite loss
- Arnold-Chiari malformation
- Arthritis
- Autism spectrum disorder
- CIDP
- Cachexia & wasting syndrome
- Chronic pain
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Crohn's & IBD
- Dystonia
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Endometriosis
See every qualifying condition in Illinois
Cancer in nearby states
Frequently asked questions
Do I need medical records for cancer?
How long does certification take in Illinois?
Can I renew online in Illinois?
Sources
- IDPH - Medical Cannabis Patient Program
- IDPH - MCPP Registry Card Application Fees
- IDPH - Debilitating Conditions
- IDPH - Medical Cannabis Patient Program FAQ
- IDPH - Qualifying Caregiver Application Instructions
- IDPH - Health Care Provider Certification
- National Academies — The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017)
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.