Crime & Traffic

To work in a cannabis dispensary, employees must have an agent identification card and:

• Be at least 21 years old,
• Pass a background check, and
• Complete responsible vendor training within 90 days of being hired and every year thereafter.

Applying for the agent identification card

Who applies?

Individuals cannot apply for agent identification cards independently. The dispensary or the agents-in-charge is responsible for applying for agent identification cards on behalf of themselves and their employees. They must ensure they have all the necessary documents and fees before submitting an application. 

Fees

There is a non-refundable $100 fee for new agent licenses and renewals. Late applications are charged an additional $50.

Application requirements

New applications must include:

• A square photo taken within 30 days,
• Illinois State Police background verification document,
• Receipt from fingerprint vendor,
• Two proof of residence documents,
• ID,
• Adult use cannabis dispensing organization selection,
• Sworn attestation for agents,
• $100 application fee,
• A copy of police report When a police officer writes a description of what happened at an accident , if you’ve been arrested, and
• A copy of your court disposition A court’s final decision in a criminal case papers if you’ve been convicted or adjudicated delinquent A finding for an act committed by a juvenile for which an adult could be prosecuted in a criminal court. Delinquent acts can include drug offenses and crimes against persons, property, and public order. of offenses.

Note: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) will not issue dispensing agent identification cards if you have not filed your Illinois taxes or owe money to the state

Renewal process

All agent types can renew their credentials online. To ensure that IDFPR has time to review and approve your renewal, apply as soon as you receive your renewal notification, and at least 14 days before your credentials expire. Agents cannot apply for renewal earlier than 45 days before their license expires. Valid credentials are required to work at a dispensary.

Criminal record considerations

Medical use dispensaries

Agent identification cards cannot be issued to individuals with violent crimes in their criminal history if the dispensary operates as a medical use dispensary. This can include:

• Felonies involving force or threat of force
• Offenses involving sexual exploitation
• Production, dissemination, or possession of child pornography
• Domestic battery or stalking When a person follows someone, watches them outside their home or office, or tells them things they observed them doing
• Violation of an order of protection A document from a judge that tells an abuser to stop further domestic abuse, or face penalties
• Misdemeanors resulting in death or great bodily harm
• Involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide The killing of one human being by another; includes willful murder and negligent homicide.
• Driving under the influence The operation of any vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
• Felony A serious crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison violations of a controlled substance

Adult use dispensaries

You can apply for an adult use agent badge even if these offenses are in your criminal history. However, keep in mind that some adult-use dispensaries have opted for stricter medical use rules.

After you apply

How do I find the status of my application?

Agents-in-charge or Principal Officers can check their application status online or by calling the Division's Call Center at 1-800-560-6420. Agents-in-charge can also check for their agents.

If your dispensary agent badge application is denied, IDFPR will contact you.

If your application is approved, IDFPR will send the agent badge to your employer within 14 calendar days.

Training requirements

Individuals working in the cannabis industry in Illinois, specifically those involved in handling, selling, or transporting cannabis must complete a responsible vendor program training within 90 days of employment. This includes agents, agents-in-charge, and principal officers. You can find a list of approved responsible vendor training providers on the IDFPR website. This training must be taken annually within 90 days of your agent badge expiring.

Agents, agents-in-charge and principal officers must also receive 8 hours of annual training from the dispensary. This can include the responsible vendor training.

If you have any questions, agents-in-charge can email the Division at [email protected].

Interested in starting a cannabis dispensing business?

Visit the IDFR Adult Use Cannabis Program page to learn about starting a cannabis dispensing business. The State of Illinois is responsible for issuing conditional licenses and overseeing the transition into an adult use licensee. Learn about Conditional cannabis dispensary licenses. Remember, you cannot sell cannabis with a conditional license. To acquire, dispense, and sell cannabis legally, you must have an adult-use dispensary license.