Disease list for medical marijuana could grow

Posted on January 6, 2015

Illinois is still reviewing applications for medical marijuana cultivation centers and dispensaries. (Photo by Brett Levin/flickr)

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – Illinois residents can now formally suggest a new medical condition that could benefit from medical marijuana.  

The Illinois Department of Public Health is accepting petitions through the end of February. A blank petition is posted on the state's medical cannabis website.  

Gov. Pat Quinn hasn't appointed the advisory board that will review petitions and hold hearings. If Quinn is going to make appointments, he will need to do so before Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner takes office Monday.  

The Illinois law lists dozens of conditions and diseases that now can qualify a patient to use medical marijuana with a doctor's permission. They include cancer, glaucoma, HIV and hepatitis C.  
Some states have allowed other conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, arthritis, migraines and insomnia.  
 

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