The Land of Lincoln will soon accept suggestions for new qualifying conditions to be added to the medical cannabis program, meaning expansion of the pilot program could be on the horizon.

This is not the first time that Illinois residents can suggest the addition of new conditions to program, and it will not be the last; however, there are only two opportunities for Illinois residents to voice support for a condition not already recognized by the program per year, according to Illinois law.

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act became effective in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2014, and currently 39 conditions are recognized for possible treatment with medical cannabis. The first sales of medical cannabis took place on Nov. 9, 2015.

The act allows for Illinois residents to petition the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to add new qualifying conditions to the medical cannabis program. The petition period is open twice annually, from January 1-31 and July 1-31. Petitions to add new qualifying conditions are accepted for review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board — a group comprised of physicians, nurses, patients, and advocates — if the petition meets the standards outlined by IDPH.

Petition guidelines

Each petition must include a specific name and brief description of the proposed qualifying condition, along with the condition’s applicable ICD 9 and/or ICD 10 medical diagnostic code. The petition must detail how the proposed medical condition can impair a patient’s daily life, what conventional medical treatments are available, and how medical cannabis can provide benefits for the proposed condition.

In addition, each petition must include evidence generally accepted by the medical community, such as peer-reviewed scientific studies, and also a letter of support from a physician or other health care provider. Petitions must include one original copy, two paper copies, and an electronic copy on a CD/DVD or flash drive.

The Medical Cannabis Advisory Board meets twice annually to make recommendations to the Public Health Department of new qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program. Each meeting is open to the public, and anyone who wishes can register to present testimony to the Board. New condition recommendations for the medical cannabis program are referred to the Director of IDPH, Nirav Shah M.D., J.D., who has the ultimate decision of whether or not a condition is added to the program.

On Oct. 7, 2015, the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board recommended that the Department add the following conditions to the medical cannabis program: Autism, Chronic Pain due to Trauma, Chronic Pain Syndrome, Chronic post-operative pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Intractable Pain, Osteoarthritis, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These conditions, also known as the “Hopeful 8,” are currently pending approval from the department director.

What’s next?

Patients suffering from those pending conditions should not apply for the program at this time. A decision is expected from the Department of Public Health by the end of January 2016. Conditions which receive final approval are also subject to the rule-making process in order to be implemented. Once rules are implemented regarding the addition of an approved condition, a patient may apply for a medical cannabis card under the new qualifying condition.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the list of qualifying conditions for Illinois’ medical cannabis pilot program.