Illinois – Starting next week, the state will reach its one-year anniversary for medical marijuana hitting shelves.
The Department of Public Health says it’s seeing more patients apply than ever before due to more conditions allowed for treatment.
Five years ago, Jon Gilson suffered a traumatic brain injury during a car crash when he was 18-years old. For years, Gilson was confined to his home and couldn’t do much to treat his pain.
“There’s so many pills. There’s different kinds of pills and this pill helps this, but it might give you that side effects and this pill helps that, but it might give you this side effect.”
At one point, Gilson was prescribed more than 300 opioids a month. Once he heard about medical marijuana, he jumped on the opportunity to try something else for the pain. He felt a complete transformation.
“Made me laugh, which was great. Laughter is better for my life that I’m in the situation that I am.”
Over the past year, medical marijuana has given hundreds of patients, like Gilson, relief. There are now more than 12,000 patients with cards prescribed for medical marijuana and 40-conditions which qualify a person to use.
“I think, I think, for the industry overall, it’d be helpful if you have more patients, you have more revenue.”
Since dispensaries opened their doors, they’ve brought in more than $26 million.
“Local businesses like dispensaries. It’s good for the state because the state kind of needs some money.”
Gilson’s dad says it’s amazing what medical cannabis has done for his son.
“Doesn’t have as near as many muscle spasms as we used to have, these little bit more calmer and relaxed, less pain. He doesn’t complain as much.”
Gilson says he’d like to see more conditions allowed for people in pain. He’s happy with his progress so far, but says he hopes it continues to change thousands of lives.
“You had to drag me out of the house before, but now, if you asked me where I want to go somewhere, yes, I say, ‘I might as well.'”
Dispensary owners say more education about medical cannabis has helped sales. There are currently 46 dispensaries in the state.
Advocates say the next step in the industry involves litigation. There are currently seven lawsuits filed by patients who want their medical conditions added to the list.
Just this year, one big milestone was getting PTSD added to the list.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Nears 1-Year Milestone
Author: Emilee Fannon
Contact: 217-373-3650
Photo Credit: Rashad Sisemore
Website: Illinois Homepage