Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 September 5, 2014
CONTACT:
Melaney Arnold (217) 558-0500
Shelia Porter (312) 814-3524
 
www.idph.state.il.us

Illinois Department of Public Health Reports Higher Medical Cannabis Interest Than Expected

SPRINGFIELD – Since Tuesday, September 2, more than 2,000 people began the application process to register for a medical cannabis identification card through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

“We anticipated a few hundred patients and caregivers would begin registering for a medical cannabis identification card during the first couple of days, but by the end of Thursday more than 2,000 people had started the application process,” said Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Project Coordinator Bob Morgan. “This is a promising sign that the Program is on track to fulfill its key purpose—alleviating the pain and suffering for thousands of Illinoisans.”

Qualifying patients whose last names begin with A – L have two months (September 2 – October 31) to submit their applications. Patients whose last names begin with M – Z may submit an application from November 1– December 31. Starting January 1, patients and caregivers will be able to submit applications at any time. Applications may be submitted electronically at https://medicalcannabispatients.illinois.gov/, or through the mail to:

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

More information about the patient application process can be found online at www.mcpp.illinois.gov in the Frequently Asked Questions section. For any questions regarding patient and caregiver registration, please contact the IDPH Division of Medical Cannabis at (855) 636-3688 or DPH.MedicalCannabis@illinois.gov.

Additional information on the number of medical cannabis applications and registrations will be available next week.


IDPH continues to implement its Five Year Strategy 2014-2018 to maximize IDPH’s effectiveness, influence and value for promoting wellness, health equity, safety and improved health outcomes. Strategic plan priorities include developing and expanding partnerships; improving data utilization; reducing health disparities; improving regulatory compliance; and branding, marketing and communicating IDPH’s value.
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/StrategicPlan_Final_2014-2018.pdf

 
idph online home
News Release Home

Illinois Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois 62761
Phone 217-782-4977
Fax 217-782-3987
TTY 800-547-0466
Questions or Comments