Section 1291.110  Curriculum Requirements

a)         The curriculum for a responsible vendor program shall include, at a minimum, the following topics:

1)         Health and safety concerns of cannabis use, including the responsible use of cannabis, its physical effects, onset of physiological effects, recognizing signs of impairment and overconsumption, and appropriate responses in the event of overconsumption.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(i) of the Act)  This topic shall specifically include information on the health risks associated with the use or abuse of cannabis, how cannabis can affect an individual's health, dosing, the criteria and severity for cannabis use disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition ("DSM-5"), and the contact information for the Illinois Poison Center.  The criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder listed in DSM-5 can be found at https://thriveworks.com/help-with/addiction/marijuana-addiction-cannabis-use-disorder/ and are also enumerated in this subsection (a)(1).  The DSM-5 defines a mild cannabis use disorder as having the presence of 2-3 of the criteria within the last twelve months, moderate is 4-5 in the last twelve months, and severe is 6 or more within the last twelve months.

A)        Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

B)        There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use.

C)        A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain cannabis, use cannabis, or recover from its effects.

D)        Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.

E)        Recurrent cannabis use results in failure to fulfill role obligations at work, school, or home.

F)         Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis.

G)        Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use.

H)        Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.

I)         Cannabis use continues despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cannabis.

J)         Tolerance, as defined by either: 

i)          a need for markedly increased cannabis to achieve intoxication or desired effect; or

ii)         a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.

K)        Withdrawal, as manifested by either:

i)          the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for cannabis; or

ii)         cannabis is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

2)         Training on laws and regulations on driving while under the influence and operating a watercraft or snowmobile under the influence.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(ii) of the Act)  This topic shall specifically include information on possible penalties for refusing a chemical test and the level of concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol that can form the basis for a driving under the influence conviction;

3)         Sales to minors prohibition.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(iii) of the Act)  This topic shall include penalties levied under Section 10-20 of the Act and Section 6-20 of the Illinois Liquor Control Act of 1934 [235 ILCS 5].

4)         Quantity limits on sales to purchasers.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(iv) of the Act)  This topic shall include information on the purchasers and patient limits as provided in Section 10-10 of the Act and Section 10(a) of the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act [410 ILCS 130];

5)         Acceptable forms of identification.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(v) of the Act)  This topic shall specifically include information on the acceptable forms of identification for:

A)        Verifying age as provided in Section 10-20(e) of the Act;

B)        Verifying residency;

C)        The forms of identification that cannot serve as evidence of the purchaser's state of residence; and

D)        Information on the proper methods for checking an ID.

6)         Safe storage of cannabis, including information about preventing the accidental consumption by minors by storing cannabis in a locked place and/or in child resistant containers; (Section 15-40(i)(3)(vi) of the Act)

7)         Compliance with all inventory tracking system regulations.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(vii))  This topic shall include information regarding the requirements of Section 15-75 of the Act and shall explain the difference between the State Verification System and any commercial inventory system a dispensing organization may use to track inventory.  Additionally, this topic must highlight the importance of verifying the physical inventory in the dispensary against the inventory reported in the State Verification System;

8)         Waste handling, management, and disposal.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(viii) of the Act)  This topic shall include information on the proper disposal and destruction of cannabis waste in accordance with Section 15-90 of the Act;

9)         Health and safety standards.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(ix) of the Act)  This topic shall include information including, but not limited to, the following:  safe and healthy working conditions for employees including worker rights and protections guidance issued by the Occupation Safety and Health Administration, and health and safety guidelines issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health and local health departments.  It shall also include information regarding any specific cannabis-related public health and safety standards, guidelines, mandates, or orders that may be in place at the time of the training;

10)       Security surveillance requirements.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(xi) of the Act)  This topic shall specifically include information on where surveillance cameras should be located in a dispensary to ensure that all required areas are covered and where cameras are prohibited by law (e.g., bathrooms and locker rooms).  Additionally, this topic shall include information regarding the Department's and Illinois State Police's (ISP's) ability to access all surveillance cameras remotely and at any time, and that all recordings must be saved for a period of a least 90 calendar days;

11)       Permitting inspections by State and local licensing and enforcement authorities.  (Section 15-40(i)(3)(xii) of the Act)  This topic shall specifically include instruction on allowing inspections by the Department, ISP, and local law enforcement officials, and the best practices for verifying with the relevant agencies that those individuals are authorized to inspect the dispensary;

12)       Purchaser privacy.  This topic shall specifically include instruction on HIPAA protections for medical cannabis patients, the prohibition on collecting an adult use purchaser's personal information without the purchaser's consent, and maintaining a purchaser's confidentiality; and

13)       Packaging and labeling requirements.  This topic shall include the packaging and labeling information provided in Section 55-21 o the Act and 8 Ill. Adm. Code 1000.420 or their successor provisions.

b)         Providers have a continuing obligation after they are approved to update their curriculum within 30 calendar days of the effective date of any amendment to the Act or this Part that alters the accuracy of their curriculum.  Any updates to the curriculum shall be submitted to the Department for approval before the provider includes the amended curriculum in its course.

c)         After a provider has been approved, it may update its curriculum to reflect changes in the industry, scientific knowledge, or for any other reason.  Any updates to the curriculum must be submitted to the Department for approval before the provider includes the amended curriculum in its course.

d)         Failure to submit any updated materials, as required in subsections (b) and (c), may result in the Department rescinding its approval of the provider.

(Source:  Added at 48 Ill. Reg. 13377, effective August 20, 2024)