On April 18, 2014, Illinois released amended proposed rules for the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. The updates came from multiple agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (IDOA), the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), the Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Department of Revenue (IDOR).

Several changes were favorable to patients and advocates seeking a less restrictive program. Most notably, patient fees were reduced: the annual fee for a medical cannabis card is now $100, down from $150. Disabled patients and veterans will pay $50 instead of $75. Caregivers must pay $25 for their registry card.

Another significant change was the removal of a controversial restriction. The prior draft rules would have prohibited patients from holding a Firearm Owner Identification (FOID) card, effectively forcing individuals to choose between lawful gun ownership and medical cannabis use. The amended rules eliminated this requirement, though questions about concealed carry remain unresolved.

For those interested in entering the industry, the financial barriers are high. Cultivation centers face a $25,000 non-refundable application fee, with only 21 licenses available statewide—one per Illinois State Police district, except for district 15, which covers the interstate. This change reduced the number of centers from 22 to 21.

Dispensaries face a $5,000 non-refundable application fee, with up to 60 licenses available statewide. Applications will be reviewed by the IDFPR.

The amended rules are open for 45 days of public comment beginning April 18, 2014, before being reviewed by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR).

For more details, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health site. To review the full body of proposed changes, see the Illinois Register (Volume 38, Issue 16).

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