Extending or Renewing Your Medical Cannabis Registry E-Card

At this time, there are two different sorts of MMJ Card renewals for medical cannabis:

An MMJ Card extension renewal, also known as a total yearly renewal, is available to patients who did not purchase a three-year card at the beginning of the registration process but still want to participate in the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. This renewal option is only available to patients who wish to continue the program. This extension does not call for any sort of Health Care Professional Certification on the applicant's part.

A complete recertification renewal, also known as a renewal, is a renewal given to patients whose cards have expired for three years or who have possessed their cards for that long. For patients to be eligible for full recertification renewal, they must visit their certifying healthcare professional to obtain an updated version of their online healthcare professional certification and any other necessary documentation. Make sure that you read all of the extension and renewal emails about How to renew your medical marijuana card all the way through.

Approximately 45 days before the expiration date printed on the medical cannabis registry card, IDPH will send a courtesy email regarding your extended renewal (one-year incremental renewal). This email will contain important information including How to renew your medical marijuana card. IDPH will send a courtesy e-mail about your full recertification renewal (three-year e-cards) five months before the expiration date listed on the medical cannabis registry e-card. This email will contain information about the renewal process.

Only apply to the Terminal Illness Registry if you are now holding or have previously held a 6-month Terminal Illness Registry Card. You must submit an application to be considered a qualifying patient.

To maintain your registry identification card, you will need to reapply for it after every three years by submitting a new application online, along with a new photo and any other evidence that may be required. You'll find the instructions for extending your Registry E-Card on this page. You can find the instructions to renew your Registry E-Card on this page.

Should I make an appointment to see my doctor?

You will be needed to renew your registered identity card at the end of every three years and submit new documents, which may include but are not limited to a healthcare professional certification, photo, etc.

Please note that a fingerprint check is no longer necessary to participate in the Medical Cannabis Program.

What will happen if the expiration date on my registration identification card arrives before I can complete the online extension submission?

If you want to participate in the program, you must submit a new application, which will require you to earn a professional certification in the healthcare field. If your card has expired, you will not be able to take advantage of the immunities offered by the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act under Section 25 to registered qualifying patients and designated caregivers. These immunities are provided to registered patients who meet the criteria for receiving medical cannabis.

Will my authorized caregiver also be required to extend their stay or renew their documentation?

Yes. Suppose you already have a designated caregiver or caregiver and want them to continue in that role. In that case, you must extend or renew their registration card while you extend or renew your own.

The expiration date on my registered identity card is not until the following year. Can I submit my extension or renewal at this time?

IDPH will send a courtesy extension or renewal notification e-mail to the registered qualifying patient approximately 45 days (for extensions) and five months (for full renewals) before the expiration date listed on the medical cannabis registry identification e-card. Extensions are valid for a maximum of 90 days. Full renewals are valid for a maximum of one year. Before extending or renewing your card, you will need to wait for this letter. As it is the responsibility of the patient or caregiver to keep track of the expiration date, make sure to keep a close eye on the date printed on the electronic medical cannabis registry card.