This is sort of a health question. I have been diagnosed with Glaucoma, Hep C, scoliosis, porphyria cutanea tarda, spinal stenosis and the list goes on. My pain management doctor asked me to apply for the Illinois Medical Cannabis registry card. As you know Illinois has the most stringent rules for this program. I was arrested in 1981 in Alabama in 1981, where I formerly lived, for possession of a controlled substance--I had been in a horrible car wreck requiring facial plastic surgeries, and after being discharged I was addicted to the pain killers. I was convicted, but served no time--in fact, Alabama told me to go home to my family, which I did here in Illinois. And now, those fingerprints come back to haunt me. Illinois's Health Department emailed me today to get more information on the arrest. I am in 24/7 pain and have taken 6 months since my doctor first suggested the program to apply--all because I feared those fingerprints. When I first moved to Illinois I went back to work in Mortgage Banking, got married, had a child and when in 2004 I was diagnosed with all of the above conditions, I ultimately had to quit working and file for SSI disability. Now the question: are the fingerprints a permanent rejection for the program, or is there a chance that due to all of my conditions, do the other (plus Illinois) State Health Departments take everything into consideration? I am 65 now, and truly regret what happened in 1981. With the diagnosis of Hep C, my husband left me and I've been alone--having gone through 5 operations to try to release me from the pain I suffer from in my neck, back and hips. The operations were for both hips replaced. right rotator cuff replaced, laminectomy and carpal tunnel syndrome (right hand). All of these conditions came about because of falling when trying to walk and the ultimate damage from falling brought about the necessary surgeries. I realize that this is not a true Health question, but it does pertain to the use of medical marijuana which is a true hot topic. If I can't get approved for the Medical Marijuana, I face a serious back/neck operation. I can be emailed at YYYY@YYYY . Just getting a sympathetic response will go a long way. Thanks. I did not realize there would be a fee. I cannot continue this until next week when I get my SSI check. Sorry, I am broke because I just got through paying Illinois.H.D. and the Fingerprint Tech. $250, and this was nonrefundable fees. We will have to continue next week. Hannah Pierog
Hannah Pierog