The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced adopted amendments to the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Patient Program, which took effect April 1, 2026. The adopted amendments include expanding qualifying conditions and eligibility for reduced patient registration and renewal card fees.

New qualifications for reduced registration and renewal fees apply to those individuals participating in Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Medicaid. Additionally, the amendments created reduced fees for those experiencing homelessness.

Proof for reduced fee applications includes:

1) The applicant enrolled in SSDI or SSI shall submit a “Benefit Verification Letter” from the Social Security Administration showing the individual’s name and address and the type of benefits received. The letter must be dated within the last year. A copy of the letter may be obtained online at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ or by contacting the Social Security Administration. The annual cost-of-living increase letter mailed to recipients of Social Security benefits will not be accepted.

2) Applicants receiving U.S. Railroad Retirement Board Disability benefits shall submit verification of monthly disability benefits.

3) Applicants receiving Teacher’s Retirement System disability benefits or disability retirement annuity, or Illinois State Universities Retirement System disability benefits shall submit a copy of the Notification of First Payment or another verification of monthly disability benefits from the applicable Illinois retirement system.

4) Veterans shall provide a copy of their DD214.

5) Applicants enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or WIC shall provide consent, in a manner determined by the Department, for the Department to verify enrollment in these programs with the Department of Human Services.

6) Applicants enrolled in LIHEAP shall provide a copy of the benefit award letter from their Community Action Agency.

7) Applicants enrolled in Medicaid shall provide their Recipient Identification Number (RIN) and shall provide consent, in a manner determined by the Department, for the Department to verify enrollment in Medicaid with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

8) Applicants experiencing homelessness shall provide a copy of the Homeless Status Certification as provided by the Illinois Secretary of State; or a letter on organization letterhead with contact information of a community-based organization that serves individuals experiencing homelessness and an attestation form as determined by the Department.

In addition, IDPH announced the new qualifying debilitating conditions approved and recommended by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board (MCAB) last year, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and female orgasmic disorder. At the last two meetings, MCAB members also recommended for adoption two more conditions: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Sickle Cell Disease.

Questions/requests for copies of the DPH rulemakings: Tracey Trigillo, DPH, 524 S. Second St., 6th Floor, Springfield, IL 62701, 217-782-1159, dph.rules@illinois.gov

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