Medical Cannabis

Physician Information

The Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program requires physicians to be the gatekeeper for access to medical cannabis. A physician may be a doctor of medicine or osteopathy licensed under the Medical Practice Act of 1987 to practice medicine and must have a current controlled substances license under Article II of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act. No other licensed profession (including dentists) may recommend a qualifying patient for medical cannabis use.

Once the physician concludes a qualifying patient may receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the use of medical cannabis, a Physician Written Certification form must be completed and mailed to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Medical Cannabis
535 W. Jefferson St.
Springfield, IL 62761-0001

The form does not constitute a prescription for medical cannabis. DO NOT GIVE THE CERTIFICATION FORM TO THE PATIENT – It must be mailed by the physician.

Applications for qualifying patients under 18 years old require two certifications: a written certification from a physician and a reviewing physician.

For more information, please visit the Medical Cannabis Pilot Program website.

Contact Us
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Medical Cannabis
Toll-free 855-636-3688
217-782-3300 or
TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466
e-mail: DPH.MedicalCannabis@illinois.gov