SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has approved the addition of four new conditions to the list of medical issues eligible for treatment with medical cannabis. The newly approved conditions are endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and female orgasmic disorder. This marks the first expansion of the state’s medical cannabis program since 2019, following a comprehensive review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board and IDPH staff.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH Director, emphasized the importance of using scientific evidence to guide the decision-making process. “Medical cannabis has been shown to offer an effective means of relief from a variety of debilitating medical conditions and symptoms,” Vohra said. “IDPH reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and the most up-to-date evidence to make decisions that best serve Illinois residents.”
The newly approved conditions are:
- Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, scarring, and infertility. Studies indicate that cannabis is effective in relieving pain associated with endometriosis.
- Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled pockets that grow on or within the ovary can cause significant pain, which may be alleviated with medical cannabis.
- Uterine fibroids: Common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to chronic pelvic pain, treatable with medical cannabis.
- Female orgasmic disorder: A condition where a woman has difficulty reaching orgasm. Cannabis has shown potential in helping women experiencing dysfunction in attaining orgasm.
The order adding these conditions is effective immediately, allowing medical providers to certify patients for medical cannabis treatment. With these four new conditions, the total number of eligible conditions for medical cannabis treatment in Illinois now stands at 56. The full list can be found on the Debilitating Conditions page on the Illinois Department of Public Health.