What are the medical marijuana laws in Illinois?

Here is an overview of the medical marijuana laws in Illinois:

1978 – The Cannabis Control Act technically allows medical marijuana but was never actioned by state departments

2013 – House Bill 1 (HB 1) is approved and signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn, entitled “The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act”. This established the right for patients and their appointed caregivers to be protected from arrest, prosecution or denial of any right or privilege. Provisions for cultivation centers and dispensaries are also outlined.

2014 – Department of Public Health released revised rules for the implementation of medical marijuana laws.

2014 – Governor Quinn signs Senate Bill 2636 (SB 2636), which allows for those aged under 18 to access non-smokable medical cannabis for all the same conditions those aged 18 or over can be recommended cannabis. Epilepsy is added to the list of qualifying conditions.

2016 – Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) extends the Illinois Pilot Program to 2020.

2019 – Recreational cannabis is legalized with the passage of HB 1438. The Medical Cannabis Pilot Program became permanent and is renamed the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. Medical patients are now allowed to cultivate up to five plants for personal consumption.