New medical cannabis approvals in Illinois focus on women's health

For the first time since 2019, Illinois regulators have expanded the List of Eligible Medical Conditions in order to be eligible for medical marijuana, with a focus on improving women's health.

New Eligibility Requirements for Medical Cannabis

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), acting on the recommendations of the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board, approved the following conditions for medical cannabis treatment:

• Endometriosis
• ovarian cysts
• Uterine fibroids
• Female Orgasmic Disorder

Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple, co-chair of the advisory committee, emphasized the importance of this decision, noting that it was the the first approval of its kind in nearly six years. Although cannabis cannot reduce fibroids or cysts, it can effectively relieve the pain associated with these conditions.

Endometriosis, for example, is characterized by tissue similar to the uterine lining that grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain, scarring, and sometimes infertility. Similarly, the female orgasmic disorder, which affects the a woman's ability to reach orgasm, can have various causes, some of which may respond positively to cannabis.

According to Dr. Sameer Vohra, director of the IDPH, «Medical cannabis has been shown to be an effective way to relieve a variety of debilitating medical conditions and symptoms.».

Medical Cannabis in Illinois

At the end of 2024, Illinois had approximately 138,000 active medical cannabis patients. The state’s list of eligible conditions now includes 56 conditions, such as cancer, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, and terminal illnesses.

Although the recreational cannabis is legal in Illinois For adults aged 21 and older, obtaining a medical cannabis card offers distinct advantages. Holders of a medical cannabis card are thus exempt from the high taxes on recreational cannabis, which can reach 45 %.

Medical patients or their caregivers may purchase up to 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of cannabis per transaction, compared to one ounce (28 grams) for recreational users. In addition, they are allowed to grow up to five plants at home, a benefit that recreational users do not enjoy.

Despite these benefits, patients who use cannabis for medical purposes currently face restrictions. For example, only 55 dispensaries in Illinois are authorized to sell medical cannabis, compared to more than 220 recreational dispensaries. Regulators are working to develop legislation that would allow medical patients to access any licensed dispensary in the state.

Dr. Mendoza Temple told the Telegraph Herald her hope that the medical cannabis program will continue to improve. She advocated for expanded access for patients, particularly by allowing the drive-through sales and by increasing the number of dispensaries authorized to sell medical cannabis products.