Illinois Approves Four New Health Conditions for Medical Marijuana Use

Illinois has added four new health conditions for medical marijuana, focusing on women’s health issues.

Illinois Approves Four New Health Conditions for Medical Marijuana Use
Illinois Approves Four New Health Conditions for Medical Marijuana Use

Chicago: For the first time since 2019, Illinois has given the green light for new medical conditions to qualify for medical cannabis. This time, the focus is on women’s health.

The Illinois Department of Public Health approved endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and female orgasmic disorder. This decision came after recommendations from the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board.

While other treatments can help shrink fibroids and cysts, they don’t relieve the pain. Medical cannabis might help with that, according to Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple, the board’s co-chair.

She was thrilled to see these new conditions approved after nearly six years without any updates, despite previous recommendations from the board.

So far, Illinois has approved 56 conditions for medical cannabis, including serious issues like cancer and chronic pain. This allows doctors to recommend cannabis for patients dealing with these conditions.

To get a medical cannabis card, patients need a doctor’s approval and pay a $50 annual fee. This card lets them buy cannabis from state-licensed stores without the hefty recreational taxes, which can be as high as 45%.

Some folks might think the medical approval isn’t necessary since anyone 21 and older can buy recreational marijuana. But Dr. Mendoza Temple insists it’s still important. Medical patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces at a time and grow five plants at home, compared to just one ounce for recreational users.

She also mentioned that she wishes the board had more power to make changes, like allowing drive-through sales or expanding medical sales to more dispensaries. Regulators are working on legislation to improve patient access across the state.

Endometriosis, one of the new conditions, involves tissue similar to the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, causing severe pain and infertility. Female orgasmic disorder is when a woman struggles to reach orgasm, which can stem from various causes. The health department noted that cannabis might help with both issues.

“Medical cannabis has been shown to offer effective relief for many debilitating conditions,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We carefully review petitions using expert opinions and the latest evidence to make the best decisions for Illinois residents.”

As of the end of 2024, there were about 138,000 active medical cannabis patients in Illinois.

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