Two New Conditions Now Eligible for Treatment with Medical Cannabis

SPRINGFIELD - Today the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced two new conditions have been added to the list of debilitating medical issues that can qualify an Illinois resident for participation in the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra approved the addition of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain and sickle cell disease after a thorough review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board (MCAB) and IDPH staff.

Under Illinois law, the Director reviews petition requests to add conditions to the approved list of "debilitating medical conditions" for which medical cannabis can be used as an approved treatment. The Director considers available scientific analysis and medical literature to determine whether medical cannabis would be an appropriate treatment for each condition.

"Medical cannabis can provide relief for people living with certain debilitating conditions," said Director Vohra. "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."

The two newly-approved conditions are:

• Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain. PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is characterized by hormonal fluctuations that impact metabolism, reproductive health, skin, and mental well-being. Cannabis has been shown to provide relief from the chronic pain associated with the condition.
• Sickle cell disease. This condition refers to a group of inherited red blood cell disorders in which abnormal blood cells can lead to extreme pain, anemia, fatigue, swelling, infections, and organ damage. Cannabis can provide relief from the pain that accompanies sickle cell disease.

The orders adding the two new conditions are effective immediately, and providers are now able to begin certifying patients with those conditions for treatment with medical cannabis. The two newly-added conditions bring the total list to 58. You can find the current list of eligible conditions at Debilitating Conditions (illinois.gov).