Thousands of Illinois residents are living with painful, chronic conditions that remain excluded from the state's Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program. Chicago NORML is calling on the Illinois Department of Public Health to add Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Sickle Cell Disease as qualifying conditions — because patients deserve safe, natural, and equitable options to manage their health.

PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women and people assigned female at birth. It causes debilitating symptoms like chronic pain, hormonal imbalance, anxiety, depression, and irregular menstruation. It is also a leading cause of infertility. Many of those affected suffer in silence without access to effective treatment, especially those from Black and Brown communities who are less likely to be diagnosed or properly treated.

Sickle Cell Disease, a genetic blood disorder that disproportionately affects Black Americans, causes extreme pain, organ damage, and a reduced life expectancy. Patients often rely on opioids for pain management — but cannabis offers a safer, potentially life-changing alternative. Denying these patients access to medical cannabis is unjust and dangerous.

In 2024, Chicago NORML led a successful petition to add uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis to Illinois’ medical cannabis program. That win proved what community organizing can do — but we’re not finished.

We’re asking you to stand with us now. Sign this petition to urge the state to:

1. Recognize PCOS and Sickle Cell Disease as qualifying conditions
2. Expand cannabis access for patients in pain
3. Acknowledge and address racial and gender health disparities
4. Support the right to natural, holistic treatment

No one should be denied relief because of outdated policies or overlooked conditions. Let’s continue the fight for equitable healthcare. Let’s make Illinois a leader in compassionate care.