According to the Illinois Dept. of Public Health, the number of people across the state using medical marijuana has skyrocketed.
More than 45,000 people are now using it, up more than 80% in the last year. A majority of patients are 40 years of age and older. Health officials say many of them are using it to treat PTSD.
“I think what you see in a lot of our patients… is people who have tried everything,” said HCI Alternatives’ Chris McCloud. “[They’ve] tried everything to feel better and they have not found that thing that will make them feel better. They’re willing to try anything that will give them more of a relief, that’s why so many people gravitate towards cannabis.”
Here’s how medical marijuana user break down in the Stateline:
- Winnebago Co.: 459
- DeKalb Co.: 178
- Ogle Co.: 92
- Boone Co.: 78
- Lee Co.: 71
- Stephenson Co.: 60
- Jo Daviess Co.: 25
