In the 4 years since Illinois launched its medical cannabis program, a growing number of patients are participating and treating a range of conditions. Chicago Tribune reports that the program has grown considerably over the past year:
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, between 2014 — when it began approving applications for medical marijuana — and September 2017, it had OK’d 24,000 patients. A year later, the total is 44,000. [Chicago Tribune]
This increase reflects recent efforts to expand the qualifying conditions and simplify the application process, but it also speaks to the positive experiences patients and physicians have had with the program since its inception.
During her treatment for breast cancer, Mary Paris couldn’t sleep. Her pain was “horrible,” she said. Until, she said, a doctor explained how medical marijuana might help her.
The 60-year-old Mundelein resident, who said her cancer has metastasized to her bones, said that using medical marijuana helps her not only sleep, but also feel improved mobility with less pain.
Like Paris, many cancer patients in Illinois are seeking medical marijuana throughout and after their treatment.
Columbia Care Illinois is pleased to see more participation in the program and our team is always available to assist new patients in pursuing medical cannabis treatment. Whether you need help applying for a medical card or learning about the products on our menu, our staff will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Read More: Get An Illinois Medical Cannabis Card