Research has proven cannabis containing high-CBD levels as an effective treatment for severe seizures; however the number of seizure disorders is relatively low compared to the total number of patients who can potentially stand to benefit from the use of marijuana, not just CBD, as medicine.
Research has proven cannabis containing high-CBD levels as an effective treatment for severe seizures; however the number of seizure disorders is relatively low compared to the total number of patients who can potentially stand to benefit from the use of marijuana, not just CBD, as medicine.
Those patients who suffer from other debilitating conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehirg’s disease, post traumatic stress disorder, acute pain or nausea and Alzheimer’s disease.
Cannabis contains approximately 85 different active compounds. CBD (Cannabidiol) is not psychoactive (doesn’t get you high) and THC is psychoactive (gets you high) are 2 of the 85.
According to health data reported from Colorado and Rhode Island, 2% of patients suffer from seizure disorder. The other 98% suffer from other debilitating conditions. A state that passes a “CBD-only” law prohibits the use of medical marijuana for the majority of patients that need it.
The fact of the matter is that seriously ill patients who could take advantage of a properly regulated and accessible medical marijuana program will have no help until lawmakers begin adopting laws similar to the other 23 states (plus District of Columbia) which have legalized medical marijuana. As of December 2014, 10 states have adopted laws restricting the use of medical marijuana to CBD-based medicine only.
Utah
Governor Herbet signed HB 105 on March 21, 2014.
Permits patients suffering from intractable epilepsy who have a signed statement from a neurologist to use and possess the extract form of marijuana. The medicine must contain no more than 0.3% THC and at least 15% CBD. It must be produced in a licensed state and analyzed by the state Health Department before a patient can use it.
Alabama
Governor Bentley signed SB 174 on April 1, 2014.
This law protects those who possess CBD and are suffering from severe epilepsy by ensuring they have a strong defense against prosecutors. Doctors are still not allowed to prescribe it and patients must seek recommendations from doctors in states that have legalized medical marijuana.
Kentucky
Governor Beshear signed SB 124 on April 10, 2014.
This law amends the definition of marijuana by excluding CBD-based treatment and possession. Patients must obtain a written order from a doctor practicing at a medical school affiliated with a Kentucky public university.
Wisconsin
Governor Walker signed AB 726 on April 16, 2014.
This bill clarifies CBD as an ingredient that doesn’t contain THC. It allows doctors to provide patients suffering from severe seizures proper documentation to possess non-psychoactive CBD.
Mississippi
Governor Bryant signed HB 1231 on April 17, 2014.
This measure allows patients suffering from severe seizures to possess and use cannabis extract containing no less than 15% CBD and no more than 0.5% THC. Any oil, resin or extract must be tested and dispensed by the University of Mississippi.
Tennessee
Governor Haslam signed SB 2531 on May 16, 2014.
This law enables the the cultivation of marijuana for research purposes only. The maximum 4-year studies can analyze the benefits of CBD and specifically desiginates Tennessee Tech to cultivate, transform and dispense to Vanderbilt University where research can be conducted. The cannabis involved with research must contain no more than 0.9% THC.
Florida
Governor Rick Scott signed SB 1030 on June 16, 2014.
This law permits the use of non-smoked cannabis oil with less than 0.8% THC and more than 10% CBD by certain patients with approved debilitating conditions.
Iowa
Governor Branstad signed SF 2360 on May 30, 2014.
This Senate File permits the possession and use of CBD with less than 3% THC to treat patients suffering from severe seizures. Patients must obtain approval from a neurologist. The CBD can only be acquired out of state and in a form that cannot be smoked.
South Carolina
Governor Haley signed S 1035 on June 2, 2014.
The bill is targeted at those people who have been diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy and have obtained permission from a doctor to use CBD oil containing no more than 0.9% THC and no less than 15% CBD. The extract must be provided by University of South Carolina Medical School.
Missouri
Governor Jay Nixon signed HB 2238 on July 14, 2014.
This law allowed patients who suffer from intractable epilepsy to use cannabis oil with at least 5% CBD and less than 0.3% THC. Patients require a neurologist to determine whether or not they qualify.
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