Seizure disorders and the Illinois medical card
The IDPH list includes "Seizures (including those characteristic of epilepsy)." The wording is broad: it names seizures as the condition and epilepsy as one example, rather than requiring a particular epilepsy diagnosis. Adults and children can both qualify, but the process for a child is noticeably stricter.
Adult and child, compared
| Adult patient (18+) | Minor qualifying patient (under 18) | |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | One | Two, from different professionals, listing identical conditions |
| Who applies | The patient | A parent or legal guardian, as caregiver |
| Caregivers | Optional, up to three | Up to three; at least one a biological parent or legal guardian; first one free |
| Products | All forms | Medical cannabis-infused products only |
| Fee | $50, $100 or $125 | $50, $100 or $125 |
| Photo | Passport-style photo | Not required |
The full set of minor-patient rules is on our caregivers and minor patients page.
Getting the certifications
Each certifier must be an Illinois-licensed physician, APRN or physician assistant with an Illinois controlled substances license, registered with IDPH. For a child, IDPH requires a recommending certification and a reviewing certification from different professionals, and both must list the same conditions. If your child's neurologist is registered, they may be one of the two. Line up the second before you start the application, since it can't move without both.
Records that help: the diagnosis, seizure types and frequency, EEG or imaging reports, and the medications tried.
Need the certification first?
IDPH won't open your application until an Illinois practitioner certifies you. Book an online evaluation with a licensed practitioner; code DRWDY85872 takes 5% off. The practitioner, not the booking site, decides whether you qualify.
Book an Illinois evaluation →School days
Illinois prohibits cannabis on school buses and school grounds, with an exception under Ashley's Law, which IDPH references for administering medical cannabis to students. If your child needs a dose during school hours, start with the school district well before the first day, because the logistics run through them.
Forms and the allotment
Adult patients can buy any form sold to patients: flower, vapes, concentrates, oils, edibles and beverages. Minor patients are limited to infused products, and caregivers buying for them must use a registered medical dispensary. Either way, the limit is one combined 2.5 ounces per 14 days, and a practitioner can request a waiver for more.
What research suggests
Seizure disorders are among the conditions where cannabinoid research has drawn the most attention, and some studies suggest certain cannabinoid products may reduce seizures for some people with specific forms of epilepsy. Results vary by condition and product. We don't cite figures. Decisions belong with the treating neurologist.
Safety
- Never stop or reduce antiseizure medication without the prescribing doctor. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
- Cannabis products can interact with other medications, including some antiseizure drugs. Tell every prescriber.
- Keep products locked away from children and pets.
- Adults: Illinois gives no protection for impaired driving, and sets a 5 ng/mL THC blood limit within 2 hours of driving.
Next steps
For an adult, one certification and the standard application are all it takes. For a child, line up both certifiers, decide who will be caregivers, and talk to the school. Families of children with autism, which is also on the list, can read our autism guide.
Questions people ask
Does epilepsy qualify for an Illinois medical card?
Yes. The IDPH list includes seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy.
Can a child with epilepsy get an Illinois card?
Yes, as a minor qualifying patient. The child needs two certifications from different health care professionals listing identical conditions, and a parent or legal guardian serves as caregiver.
Can medical cannabis be given at school?
Illinois prohibits cannabis on school buses and school grounds, with an exception under Ashley's Law, which IDPH references for administering medical cannabis to students. Arrangements go through the school.
Worth reading next
Sources
General information about Illinois law as of October 2026, not medical or legal advice; IDPH and the statute control, and a licensed practitioner decides whether you qualify.