Medical cannabis patients in Illinois deserve the right to purchase their medicine at any licensed dispensary in the state using their medical card and pay the medical tax rate. Patients should not be forced to travel long distances or pay high recreational taxes for the same products for medical use.

We, the undersigned medical cannabis patients of Illinois, respectfully ask the State to take immediate legislative or regulatory action allowing registered patients to purchase their medicine at any licensed dispensary in Illinois and receive the medical tax rate when presenting a valid Illinois medical cannabis card.

Background:

Since recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois, adult-use dispensaries have expanded rapidly while medical-only dispensaries remain limited. Many patients, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited transportation, struggle to find a nearby medical dispensary. When forced to shop at recreational dispensaries, patients pay much higher taxes for the same products they depend on for relief and wellness.

Requested Actions:

• Allow medical cardholders to purchase at any licensed dispensary. All dispensaries, whether medical or recreational, should be required to accept valid Illinois medical cannabis cards and complete transactions under the medical program.
  
  
• Apply the medical tax rate at checkout. Registered medical patients must receive the lower medical tax rate when purchasing cannabis at any dispensary.

Why This Matters:

Medical cannabis is healthcare for thousands of Illinois residents. Limiting access and forcing patients to pay recreational taxes creates unnecessary barriers and financial hardship. Expanding patient rights to all dispensaries can be done quickly through simple ID verification and tax system adjustments. This small change would immediately make Illinois’ medical program more fair, compassionate, and effective.

Call to Action:

Sign this petition if you believe medical cannabis patients should be able to purchase their medicine at any licensed dispensary in Illinois and pay the medical tax rate. Share this petition with other patients, caregivers, and advocates. Contact your state representative and senator to show your support for expanding patient access and fairness in Illinois’ cannabis laws.