Illinois Considering Medical Marijuana as Option for Opioid Addiction

With more research about the benefits of medical marijuana helping to treat opioid addiction, Illinois lawmakers are thinking about allowing medical marijuana treatment for opioid addiction. The Senate Committee heard testimony from several residents regarding the matter.

One resident, Yajaira Santiago, told her story of addiction to painkillers following a car accident and how medical marijuana helped her end her addiction, CBS St. Louis reports. The committee has shown interest in discussing the matter further.

Santiago said, “This was and remains my lifeline. While I am still suffering with PTSD, Fibromyalgia, multiple herniated disks in my cervical spine and in my lumbar and I no longer rely on opioids to relieve my pain.”

Additional hearings regarding moving forward with legislation have not yet been disclosed.