The Opioid Alternative Pilot Program kicked off Thursday in Illinois. It allows patients with opioid prescriptions to opt for medical marijuana instead.

Melissa Hallbeck, co-founder of the Midwest Cannabis Education Conference, says she used non-psychoactive cannabis oil to wean herself off Norco and sleeping pills after multiple surgeries for interstitial cystitis left her with sever pelvic pain.

Hallbeck says it took “a very long time” for her to fully transition from opioids to cannabis, but that it’s “unbelievable” how many people succeed.

She joins us to discuss the program, along with state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a co-sponsor of the bill.

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