Insomnia denied as qualifying condition for Pa.’s medical marijuana program

The Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Advisory Board voted against adding insomnia to the list of qualifying conditions and tabled discussions on adding traumatic brain injuries at its latest meeting.

The state’s program is experiencing record enrollment and significant growth. More than 460,000 residents are registered and sales have surpassed $1 billion since the program launched in 2016, the Tribune-Review reported. John Collins, director of the state’s Office of Medical Marijuana, said patients are buying almost 400,000 marijuana products each week.

To date, there are 23 medical conditions that qualify patients for enrollment in the state’s medical marijuana program. About 80% of patients qualify under anxiety disorders, chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder.

To add a new condition to the list, people can apply through the state’s website. The board reviews the applications before Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine makes a final decision.

The board voted, 7-4, Tuesday to dismiss the application for adding insomnia. Those interested can submit an appeal, asking Levine to reconsider.

Board members were hesitant to add insomnia to the list partly because it takes many forms and is often caused by another underlying medical issue. [Read more at Philly Voice]