Time short for Schaumburg family’s quest to retain access to daughter’s medical marijuana

OG article by Eric Peterson

January 1, 2026

The Surin family of Schaumburg faces a critical shortage of medical marijuana patches essential for controlling 19-year-old Ashley’s epileptic seizures, with their supply depleting in two weeks after the product ceased production in Illinois. Ashley, who overcame leukemia at age 2 but developed epilepsy, autism, and a concussion-related injury, has relied on these patches—licensed by Mary’s Medicinals and manufactured locally—for eight years, enabling her to live independently, work, and engage in activities. Available in nearby Missouri, the patches cannot be legally transported across state lines due to federal restrictions, despite state-level legalization in Illinois and Missouri. The family, previously behind Ashley’s Law in 2018 allowing medical marijuana access for children in schools, advocates for interstate commerce reforms, arguing the current laws create a healthcare crisis. Supported by a physician and a marijuana law expert, they highlight the risks of experimentation due to Ashley’s communication challenges and the unique efficacy of the patches. A Change.org petition with over 1,250 signatures seeks change, while an executive order by President Trump reclassifying marijuana offers hope, though experts doubt immediate legislative action. The family urges Congress to address the issue, emphasizing Ashley’s case as representative of many others.