Arizona asked to expand medical marijuana program

The Arizona Department of Health Services is weighing requests to expand the state's medical marijuana program.

The department recently received petitions to include the treatment of sleeping disorders and skin conditions. A decision is expected within the next few months.

Arizona now permits medical marijuana to treat cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, chronic pain, muscle spasms and hepatitis C.

The law requires the department to consider petitions to allow use for more conditions.

State health Director Will Humble says he will expand the program only if scientific evidence supports adding other conditions.

He declined requests last month to add post-traumatic stress disorder, migraine headaches, anxiety and depression.