Illinois Adds Two New Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Tuesday that the state is adding two new qualifying conditions for its medical cannabis program.

One of the new conditions is polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain, and the other is sickle cell disease.

“Medical cannabis can provide relief for people living with certain debilitating conditions. IDPH reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and the most up to date evidence to make decisions that best serve Illinois residents. We look forward to working with our medical providers to ensure safe, appropriate access for individuals struggling with these newly approved conditions.” — IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, in a statement

PMOS is a hormone health issue that can cause chronic pain, and sickle cell disease refers to red blood cell disorders that can lead to severe pain, fatigue, organ damage, and more. Cannabis was shown to provide relief for both conditions.

“IDPH reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and the most up to date evidence to make decisions that best serve Illinois residents,” Dr. Vohra said. “We look forward to working with our medical providers to ensure safe, appropriate access for individuals struggling with these newly approved conditions.”

Illinois currently allows medical cannabis access for over 50 conditions, including autism, HIV/AIDS, cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, endometriosis, glaucoma, lupus, migraines, multiple sclerosis, ovarian cysts, Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe fibromyalgia, seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy, and many others.