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Pain is disruptive and expensive. Pain management using opioids has created a generation of addicts and widespread prescription drug abuse. Alternatives, such as treating healing bodies with plant-based prescriptions like cannabis, have shown promise. However, even in states where medical marijuana is legal, access is not universal. In Illinois, for example, not all chronic pain patients qualify for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Program (IMCPP). As of now, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recognizes only 52 debilitating conditions for program eligibility.
In recent months, Chicago NORML has fought tirelessly to expand the list of qualifying conditions, with a particular focus on women’s health. Thanks to their advocacy, women with ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids now have the opportunity to apply for medical marijuana in Illinois.
While the original list of qualifying conditions was not explicitly biased against women—after all, anyone can suffer from chronic pain—there was a clear lack of attention to women’s health issues.
“There generally hasn’t been much discussion in the medical cannabis community about how some women’s health conditions can be debilitating," Arianne Richards, Chicago NORML’s current executive director, explained. "Instead, it’s often been easier to lump them under chronic pain."
Richards, who suffers from ovarian cysts herself, highlighted that while research on the relationship between female reproductive health and THC is ongoing, patients across Illinois will now benefit from cost savings, higher possession limits, and the ability to grow their own cannabis at home. She added, "Debilitating women’s health conditions often get categorized under the broader term of chronic pain, which doesn’t always address the specific needs and experiences of women."
Richards acknowledged that her own pain isn’t chronic, but cannabis provides relief during her most painful episodes. "A woman shouldn’t have to claim her pain is chronic to gain legal access," she said. "There’s still a lot of research to be done to better understand how cannabis can assist women with certain conditions."
This initiative was spearheaded in early 2023 by Chicago NORML’s deputy director, Felicia Santiago, who is deeply passionate about women’s health. "Felicia brought the organization back to its roots by supporting the medical cannabis community," Richards explained.
The effort was supported by a diverse team of medical professionals who provided testimony and research to back the petition. "We couldn’t have done this without Dr. Ryan Buck and RN Rebecca Abraham from Plesio Health (formerly Acute on Chronic), as well as RN Ebony Smith from Midwest CannaNurses in Detroit, MI. Their expertise, along with the dedication of our members, was critical in expanding the list of qualifying conditions," Richards said.
In addition to expert input, Chicago NORML mobilized its team to gather signatures from the public, proving that collective action drives meaningful change.
"The process to add debilitating conditions is lengthy," Richards explained. "We submitted our petitions and research in July 2023. From there, the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board—made up of doctors, nurses, and other professionals in the medical cannabis field—reviewed the proposed conditions. During their meetings, the public was invited to attend and provide statements of support. Once the board approved the conditions, they were sent to the IDPH for final approval by its executive director. Now, in December 2024, we can finally celebrate this win."
Not all the conditions Chicago NORML petitioned for were approved. “We actually petitioned for four women’s health conditions, but only three made it through this round,” Richards said. “Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids were approved, but PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) wasn’t. There simply isn’t enough research on PCOS at this time. Moving forward, we’re focused on building relationships with researchers who can help us gather the data we need. Our goal is to revisit this issue and ultimately secure approval for PCOS as well.”
Benefits of Medical Marijuana in Illinois
- Lower Costs: Medical marijuana is less expensive than recreational cannabis.
- Higher Possession Limits: Medical cardholders can possess more cannabis than recreational users.
- Home Cultivation: Only medical users are allowed to grow cannabis at home.
- Stronger Strains: Medical users have access to more potent strains.
- Guaranteed Supply: Medical cardholders are prioritized for supply at dispensaries.
- No Age Restrictions: Patients of all ages can qualify for medical marijuana.
- Enhanced Legal Protections: Medical users enjoy stronger legal protections than recreational users.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.