Illinois Medical Cannabis Market Could Expand

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Dispensaries in Illinois would have access to a much larger patient base if health officials adopts a proposal to add nearly a dozen new conditions to the state’s MMJ program.

An advisory board has recommended that the state’s health department add 11 new ailments to the list of qualifying conditions, including osteoarthritis, migraines, diabetic neuropathy and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The move could boost the number of registered patients by thousands – or even tens of thousands. Only about 2,000 people have been approved for MMJ cards so far, a relatively low number that has concerned industry experts who worry that dispensaries will have a hard time becoming profitable.

The advisory board rejected a proposal to add diabetes and anxiety to the list.

Illinois already has dozens of conditions that qualify, including cancer, HIV and multiple sclerosis. Cannabis business owners were pleased with the recommendations, according to the Associated Press.

The Illinois Department of Public Health will ultimately decide which of the recommended conditions to add, if any.