The Illinois Department of Public Health announced on Tuesday that patients with sickle cell disease can now qualify for legal access to medical cannabis. The department also added polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome with chronic pain as a new qualifying condition. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra approved these conditions following a review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board.
This decision allows individuals with these specific diagnoses to seek treatment with a doctor’s recommendation.
Dr. Vohra stated that “Medical cannabis can provide relief for people living with certain debilitating conditions.” He added that IDPH reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and the most up to date evidence. The director emphasized the goal of making decisions that best serve Illinois residents.
With these two new additions, Illinois now has 58 medical cannabis qualifying conditions. The expansion broadens the scope of the state’s medical marijuana program for residents. Patients must still obtain a recommendation from a licensed medical provider to participate.
This update reflects the ongoing review process managed by the state health department.
The approval follows a careful evaluation of petitions submitted by various groups. The Medical Cannabis Advisory Board played a key role in the final decision.
This move comes about two weeks after the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation posted a new form. The form allows recreational marijuana dispensaries to file for permission to sell medical cannabis. Medical cannabis is taxed at a much lower rate than adult-use products.
This change was part of omnibus cannabis legislation passed by lawmakers.
Governor JB Pritzker signed the omnibus legislation into law this session. The law also doubles the amount of marijuana that adults can legally possess. It allows drive-thrus and curbside pickups at dispensaries and lets them stay open for longer hours.
Any adult use dispensary holding an active license in good standing may opt-in for a medical dispensary license.
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