The Illinois Medical Cannabis Advisory Board approved eight new health conditions eligible for treatment under the state's medical marijuana pilot program on Wednesday.

The board recommended expanding the qualifying health conditions for medical marijuana treatment to include autism, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions. The board's recommendations now go to the Rauner administration for consideration.

Last month, the Rauner administration shot down a previous suggestion by the board to add 11 more health conditions to the list of those covered by the medical marijuana program. The administration argued that the medical marijuana program is in its early stages and should not be expanded before it can be evaulated.

Illinois' pilot program for medical marijuana already covers patients with specific debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS.