1. Florida!
Image: AP
In November, voters will consider approving a ballot initiative to legalize medical marijuana. But the Republican-controlled legislature may act before that. In the photo, Rep. Katie Edwards, D-Plantation wipes a tear from her eye at the end of discussion on medical marijuana. She is wearing a purple wrist band in honor of 11-year-old RayAnn Moseley, a resident who suffers from Dravet syndrome, a form of children’s epilepsy which could be treated with medical marijuana. A measure to approve an oil derived from pot that has medical benefits and does not produce a high in users has passed subcommittees in the state House and Senate.
2. Alabama!
Image: AP
Just last week, the state legislature passed “Carly’s Law,” which makes it legal to possess only a prescribed medical grade extract known as CBD or cannabidiol, which is non-intoxicating. It also authorizes a study on the effectiveness of marijuana oil in controlling severe seizure disorders. Amy Chandler, pictured above, holds her 3-year-old daughter Carly, who could benefit from the treatment. In the state House of Representatives, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle reportedly stood up and chanted for the bill to pass.
3. Kentucky!
A bill legalizing the use of marijuana oil to treat severe forms of childhood epilepsy is moving toward becoming a law. The measure, which has cleared a key committee in the state House and has already passed in the Senate, would allow children suffering from severe seizures to be treated with cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive marijuana extract. The patients would be treated as part of FDA trials. It also would allow the drug to be used for research at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville medical schools. Rita Wooton, pictured above, is the mom of a four year old son with epilepsy who could benefit from the treatment. She was moved to tears by the vote. She told the Courier-Journal that her family sleeps in shifts to watch over her son who suffers from seizures that happen around the clock.
4. South Carolina!
The South Carolina state Senate just approved a bill that could help people with severe epilepsy gain access to medical marijuana. A key Senate committee approved a version of the bill that would have made the cannabidiol oil available only in forms approved by the FDA and administered through clinical trials. This would have cut off access to Mary Louise Swing, pictured above, the six-year-old child who inspired the bill. But an amendment would let proposed an amendment to allow doctors and physicians to prescribe the oil. It now moves to the House of Representatives. However, it’s fate is uncertain as Gov. Nikki Haley has not expressed enthusiasm for medical marijuana. But supporters say it doesn’t go far enough. The drug would have to be a version approved by the FDA and used as part of clinical trials.
Medical Marijuana is Gaining Ground in These Fo...
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