NuggMD Patient FAQs — Illinois

NuggMD connects prospective patients with state-licensed medical cannabis doctors to obtain medical evaluations online from home.

Individuals need a physician's recommendation for a qualifying condition, then submit documentation including proof of ID and residency to register with Illinois.

Out-of-state ID holders can apply but must provide additional proof of residency. See the IDPH patient application instructions for required documents.

Illinois does not recognize out-of-state medical cards. However, out-of-state visitors 21+ can possess up to 15 grams of flower, 2.5 grams of concentrates, or 250 mg THC.

You must be 21 or older, similar to alcohol sales.

NuggMD's platform connects patients with fully licensed, state-certified Illinois physicians.

If you aren't approved for medical cannabis use, you don't pay.

One year: $50; Two years: $100; Three years: $125.

Qualifying residents must have a diagnosed debilitating condition, be evaluated by a state-licensed physician, be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent), and be Illinois residents.

Qualifying conditions include: Autism, Alzheimer's agitation, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Anorexia, Arnold-Chiari malformation, Cancer, Cachexia/wasting syndrome, Causalgia, Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Chronic pain, Crohn's disease, CRPS, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Endometriosis, Female orgasmic disorder, Fibrous dysplasia, Glaucoma, Hepatitis C, Hydrocephalus, Hydromyelia, Interstitial cystitis, IBS, Lupus, Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Myasthenia Gravis, Myoclonus, Nail-patella syndrome, Neuro-Bechet's, Neurofibromatosis, Neuropathy, Osteoarthritis, Ovarian cysts, Parkinson's disease, Polycystic kidney disease, Post-Concussion Syndrome, PTSD, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy, Residual limb pain, Rheumatoid arthritis, Seizures/Epilepsy, Severe fibromyalgia, Sjogren's syndrome, Spinal cord disease, Spinal cord injury with neurological spasticity, Spinocerebellar ataxia, Superior canal dehiscence syndrome, Syringomyelia, Tarlov cysts, Tourette syndrome, Traumatic brain injury, Ulcerative colitis, Uterine fibroids.

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains the list and can add conditions. Patients can petition the department to consider their condition.

Cannabis remains federally illegal, so most insurance companies won't cover medical cannabis costs until federal legalization occurs.

Medical patients access state dispensaries, purchase more cannabis than recreational users (2.5 ounces per 14 days vs. 30 grams), are exempt from excise taxes (10-25% for recreational users), and can cultivate up to 5 plants at home.

NuggMD evaluations take as little as 15 minutes, but the Illinois Department of Public Health requires up to 30 days for review.

The state takes up to 30 business days to process applications; MMJ IDs arrive within 15 business days of approval.

Yes, patients can choose any state-licensed, qualified practitioner for renewal. All NuggMD practitioners are fully licensed and certified.

NuggMD offers renewals at the same low rate as initial consultations. Renewals are free if not approved.

Renewal periods are one, two, or three years depending on what you selected during application.

With NuggMD, you are only charged for your evaluation if you are approved.

Charges apply only upon approval. A $10 fee applies if canceling before evaluation. Refunds available if requested before state submission. After certification submission, refunds are unavailable. Allow 3-5 business days for processing. Refunds unavailable 30+ days after evaluation.

Available products include flower, capsules, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, and oils.

Purchasers must be 21+ and present valid ID, similar to alcohol sales. Out-of-state visitors with valid government ID can also purchase with lower limits.

Yes, patients can order cannabis for in-store pickup online.

Residents must be over 21 to purchase adult-use cannabis.

Recreational: up to 30 grams of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500mg THC in infused products. Medical patients: up to 2.5 ounces of flower. Dispensaries must allow medical patients to purchase 2.5 times the adult-use limit. Out-of-state visitors: half the adult-use limit.

Recreational: no more than 30 grams of flower, 5 grams of concentrate, or 500mg THC. Medical patients: up to 2.5 ounces.

Yes, gifts are legal if the recipient is 21+, no money is exchanged, and amounts stay within legal limits. Bartering is prohibited.

No, postal delivery of cannabis is prohibited in Illinois.

Cannabis can only be purchased at licensed dispensaries; individual sales are illegal.

No, public use is illegal. Front porches are considered public spaces. Cannabis use is permitted only on private property.

No, driving under cannabis influence is illegal and results in DUI charges for any motor vehicle.

No, cannabis deliveries are prohibited. Purchases must occur at licensed dispensaries.

This depends on each state's reciprocity laws. Check destination state regulations.

Only licensed medical patients can legally cultivate, growing up to 5 plants maximum.

Cards are valid for one, two, or three years depending on the initial fee selected.

Cannabis users 21+ and medical patients cannot be fired solely for use. Employers can restrict use during work hours and in certain positions. Federally-funded employers may conduct drug tests and deny employment.

Yes, landlords can set cannabis use rules on their property. Review lease agreements before use.

No, crossing state lines with cannabis violates federal law regardless of amount. Cannabis must be used in Illinois.

Mail: Illinois Department of Health, 535 W Jefferson St, Springfield, IL 62761. Phone: (217) 782-4977. Email: DPH.medicalcannabis@illinois.gov. Website: dph.illinois.gov.

Caregivers must be at least 21 years old, Illinois residents, willing to assist with medical cannabis use, and without excluded offense convictions.

Patients can include caregiver information during their application, or caregivers can apply separately using the MCPP Caregiver Application to link with an active patient.

No, caregivers must be at least 21 years old (minors can be patients with parental consent but cannot serve as caregivers).

Caregivers can have only one patient, though patients may have up to two caregivers.