Illinois Adds Sickle Cell Disease and PMOS to Medical Cannabis Qualifying Conditions

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the addition of sickle cell disease and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome with chronic pain to the state's medical cannabis qualifying conditions list, following a petition review process based on expert opinion and current evidence.

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced Tuesday that two new conditions have been added to the state's medical cannabis qualifying conditions list: sickle cell disease and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain. The decision follows a formal petition review process that relies on expert opinion and the most up-to-date evidence to determine which debilitating conditions warrant medical cannabis access.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said the department reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and current evidence to make decisions that best serve Illinois residents. He added that the agency looks forward to working with medical providers to ensure safe, appropriate access for individuals struggling with the newly approved conditions.

Sickle cell disease refers to red blood cell disorders that can lead to severe pain, fatigue, organ damage, and other complications. PMOS is a hormone health issue that can cause chronic pain. According to the department, cannabis was shown to provide relief for both conditions.

Illinois currently allows medical cannabis access for more than 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, severe fibromyalgia, and seizures characteristic of epilepsy.