The process to obtain medical cannabis can be fairly confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the medical field or with being prescribed controlled substances. The rules and regulations surrounding the prescription of medical marijuana are tighter than those for other medications, including narcotics. The process for getting your Illinois Medical Cannabis Qualifying Patient Registry Information Card has a number of different steps and is fairly involved. Here are a few tips and guidelines on how to apply for medical cannabis in Morris.
Physician Certification Form
The first step is to have your doctor complete the Physician Certification Form, attesting to the fact that he or she is prescribing medicinal cannabis. The form can be downloaded online, and must be submitted to the Department of Public Health no more than ninety days from the date of your appointment. This form certifies that in his or her opinion, you are a patient who requires medicinal marijuana. Certain details about your condition, such as the nature, duration, and estimated outcome will also be listed on the form.
Get Fingerprinted
The Department of Public Health will require your fingerprints so they can conduct a criminal record check. You will need to visit your local police station, and bring with you a Fingerprint Consent Form, which essentially permits the collection and use of your fingerprint data for criminal record check purposes.
Complete Application Form
Once all the other requirements have been met, you will need to complete the application form. Thankfully, it’s now available online, making it easier for those who have mobility issues to apply. There is a non-refundable application fee of $100 that must be paid, along with a $25 caregiver fee if you are filling the application out on behalf of your patient. Ensure that you are able to submit your proof of residency, in the form of two documents verifying you are a resident of Illinois, and proof of age, usually in the form of government-issued identification. The last thing you need to send in with your application is a two inch by two inch photo of your full face, with nothing in the background. To meet this requirement, you can send in a passport photo.
For more information about the application process to qualify for medical cannabis in Morris, visit Greenhouse and follow our Twitter page.
