Opioid Alternative Cannabis Program in Illinois
Established under Illinois Public Act 100-1114 (the Alternative to Opioids Act of 2018), the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (OAPP) enables qualifying Illinois residents aged 21 and older to access legal medical cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription opioid medications.
What Is the Illinois Opioid Alternative Pilot Program (OAPP)?
Signed into law as Public Act 100-1114 (the Alternative to Opioids Act of 2018), the Opioid Alternative Cannabis Program allows Illinois patients who have been prescribed—or could be prescribed—opioids by a licensed healthcare professional to register for medical cannabis instead. The program was created to combat the opioid epidemic by giving patients immediate, legal access to medical marijuana for pain relief without addictive narcotics.
Key Rules & Patient Requirements
Eligibility and purchasing guidelines under Public Act 100-1114
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Age & Residency: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and a current resident of the State of Illinois with valid proof of identity and address.
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Medical Need for Opioids: A licensed Illinois physician, Physician Assistant (PA), or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) must certify that the patient has a medical condition for which an opioid has been or could be prescribed based on generally accepted standards of care.
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No Fingerprints or Background Checks Required: Unlike early iterations of the medical cannabis registry, OAPP participants are not required to submit fingerprints or wait weeks for a background check.
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2.5-Ounce Purchase Limit: Registered OAPP patients can legally purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis every 14 days from a licensed medical cannabis dispensary such as EarthMed Addison.
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90-Day Certification & $10 Registration Fee: OAPP registrations are valid for 90-day increments with a $10 state registration fee per 90-day period, and may be renewed upon physician recertification. State law prohibits businesses from charging patients extra fees solely for assistance completing registration forms.
How to Apply for the Opioid Alternative Cannabis Program
Registering for the Opioid Alternative Pilot Program is fast and completed electronically through the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System (ICTS).
Step 1: Visit a Certifying Healthcare Provider
Consult a licensed Illinois physician, PA, or APRN with whom you have a bona fide relationship at their medical office, clinic, or hospital. They will submit an electronic OAPP certification inside the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System (ICTS).
Step 2: Complete Online Registration & Upload ID
Log in to the Illinois Cannabis Tracking System portal, complete your OAPP patient profile, upload a copy of your valid Illinois Driver’s License or State ID and a recent passport-style photo, and pay the $10 state registration fee.
Step 3: Shop Medical Cannabis at EarthMed Addison
Download or print your electronic OAPP registry card and bring it along with your state ID to EarthMed Addison to consult with our Patient Care Specialists and purchase lab-tested medical cannabis products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the Illinois Opioid Alternative Cannabis Program.
No. You qualify either if you currently have an opioid prescription OR if a licensed Illinois physician, PA, or APRN certifies that you have a condition for which an opioid could be prescribed under generally accepted medical standards of care.
Each OAPP certification is valid for up to 90 days and costs $10 to register with the state. If ongoing pain management is needed, your physician can renew your certification every 90 days, or certify you for a multi-year Illinois Medical Cannabis Card under Chronic Pain.
Registered OAPP participants may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis every 14 days at medical cannabis tax rates.
Yes. Veterans receiving medical care at a federal VA facility who have a current opioid prescription can submit their VA documentation and DD Form 214 directly to participate.
Have questions about your cannabis options?
Visit our Addison, Rosemont, or McHenry stores to consult directly with certified Patient Care Specialists. We will help you find the right strains, products, and consumption methods for your lifestyle.