Petition Seeks to Add PTSD, Autism to Illinois' Medical Marijuana Program

A petition directed to Gov. Bruce Rauner and Dr. Nirav Shah, Illinois Director of Public Health, asks for the state to add eight new medical conditions to be included in the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. Among them are posttraumatic stress disorder, autism, irritable bowel syndrome and various other types of chronic pain.

According to the Change.org petition, which had 20,058 supporters as of Wednesday night, the state’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Board has approved the new conditions. The next step in implementing them in the program is approval from the state’s Department of Public Health, which is expected as early as this month.

“Please sign the petition encouraging Illinois officials to do the right thing and allow suffering residents of Illinois to gain access to the relief that the medical cannabis program was intended to provide,” the petition reads.

It includes strong testimony from those who endorse it.

“I have PTSD and am breaking the law to control my anxiety.” -- Robert T. wrote.

“I am Veteran with PTSD and arthritis and chronic pain from injuries from my service. I don’t want to be a criminal to have relief,” Robert B. added.

Tweets showing support for the cause are posted on the petition from Melissa Etheridge, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and Illinois’ Drug Policy Alliance.

It has a goal of 25,000 signatures.