Lawmakers are considering a bill that would legalize a marijuana byproduct that could provide relief for children with seizure disorders.
The legislation would make cannibidiol available with a doctor’s prescription. Also known as CBD oil extract, the by-product is low in THC – the psychoactive proponent in marijuana. State Rep. Robb Kahl, D-Monona, sponsored the bill, which he says was inspired by a constituent with a sick child.
“This is a non-partisan issue,” said Kahl. “This is a humanitarian issue. It’s not a medical marijuana bill and, you know, some people are disappointed that it’s not, but as I said, this is a baby step. It’s not an opening of any gates here, but if it’s your baby, it would be a pretty important step.”
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The bill was passed by an Assembly committee on Wednesday. The next step is getting it to the floor for a vote, which Kahl says he’s ‘cautiously optimistic’ about.
Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, voted to pass the legislation out of committee, although she wishes it were a broader bill.
“I would ideally love to see it expanded out a bit so it’s not just narrowed to seizures,” said Taylor. “There might be other disorders that we find can be successfully treated with this CBD oil.”
The bill was passed by the committee in a 7-1 vote.
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