The Illinois Department of Public Health has added two conditions to the list of medical issues that can qualify residents for the state’s Medical Cannabis Patient Program.
IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra approved sickle cell disease and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, with chronic pain following reviews by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board and IDPH staff.
PMOS, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, can cause hormonal and metabolic problems along with chronic pain. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain, anemia, infections and organ damage.
IDPH says medical cannabis may provide pain relief for patients with the two conditions.
The additions are effective immediately, allowing healthcare providers to begin certifying qualifying patients for the program.
The changes bring the total number of conditions eligible under Illinois’ Medical Cannabis Patient Program to 58.