Bipartisan Legislation to Legalize Medical Use of Low-THC Cannabis Introduced in U.S. Senate
Bipartisan legislation to exempt low-THC cannabis from the United States list of controlled substances when being used to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy.
has been filed in the United States Senate The bill – titled the Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2015 – was filed by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with co-sponsors Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
“This bill would provide children and adults alike with access to medicine they need to treat life-threatening conditions,” Senator Gardner said in a Wednesday press release. “Colorado has become a haven for people in need and parents desperate to pursue treatment for their children. Making this medicine available nationwide is the right thing to do, and would help families cope with these serious illnesses.”
“Oregon voters have spoken clearly in favor of laws that allow the medical and recreational use of marijuana. But federal laws are out of step and needless barriers remain,” added Senator Wyden. “Caught in the middle are kids and other patients who suffer from debilitating seizures that could be more effectively treated with easier access to medically effective CBD cannabis strains. That’s what this bill does and that’s why it’s important. This bill will make it possible for people in need to get access to a potential lifesaver and to live healthier, more carefree lives. I thank Sen. Gardner for his work on this issue and I urge all my colleagues to embrace this legislation.”
“This important legislation will help bring relief to thousands of suffering children nationwide,” says Senator Hatch. “Cannabidiol has been shown to dramatically reduce seizures in children with intractable epilepsy.”
Senate Bill 1333 – the full text of which can be found by clicking here – has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
– TheJointBlog