Oklahoma Governor Signs Law Expanding Patient Pool Eligible for CBD Therapy

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signed legislation into law on Friday, May 13, to expand the pool of patients eligible to possess cannabidiol (CBD) under a physician’s authorization.

Presently, Oklahoma law exempts patients with intractable forms of pediatric epilepsy from state criminal penalties if they possess liquid preparations containing CBD and no more than three-tenths of one percent THC.

House Bill 2835 extends existing legal protections to the following patients: those with “spasticity due to multiple…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Alabama’s New Law Allows Patients’ Use of CBD/THC Extracts

MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Robert Bentley signed legislation into law last week expanding legal protections for qualified patients who use cannabidiol-dominant extracts for therapeutic purposes.

Under the legislation, House Bill 61, also known as Leni’s Law, patients may possess extract preparations of CBD that also contain up to three percent THC for the treatment of a seizure-related debilitating condition.

The law further states that no state agency may initiate proceedings to remove a child from a home if that child and/or his/her…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Virginia Governor Signs Bill to Regulate CBD Oil Production

Virginia Governor Signs Bill to Regulate CBD Oil Production

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Governor Terry McAuliff has signed legislation, Senate Bill 701, to establish regulations governing the in-state production of therapeutic oils high in cannabidiol (CBD) and/or THC-A (THC acid).

Under a 2015 state law, qualifying patients are provided an affirmative medical defense if they possess cannabis plant extracts that contain at least 15 percent cannabidiol, and no more than five percent tetrahydrocannabinol. However, the law provides no legal source for these products and, as a result, it has largely…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Florida Authorizes Medical Marijuana Access for Terminally Ill

Florida Authorizes Medical Marijuana Access for Terminally Ill

TALLAHASSEE, FL —  Republican Gov. Rick Scott has signed legislation into law permitting the use of medicinal cannabis to terminally ill patients.

House Bill 307 expands the state’s so-called ‘Right to Try Act’ – legislation that permits terminally ill patients to experiment with non-FDA approved remedies – to include the use of medicinal cannabis.

Under the new law, which took immediate effect, patients diagnosed with no more than 12 months to live are eligible to access both low-THC and high-THC strains of cannabis.

The measure…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Florida Governor Signs Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana for Terminally Ill Patients

TALLAHASSEE, FL —  Florida Governor Rick Scott has signed into law a bill that will allow people diagnosed with a terminal illness access to medical marijuana — if the state’s extremely limited and long-delayed medical marijuana program ever becomes a reality.

The bill signed by Gov. Scott on Thursday, House Bill 307, is an attempt to expand the state’s low-THC medical marijuana law by allowing products made from cannabis strains with higher levels of THC available to those patients with terminally ill conditions.  The bill…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Oklahoma House Votes to Expand Conditions Eligible for CBD

Oklahoma House Votes to Expand Conditions Eligible for CBD

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Lawmakers in the Oklahoma House have approved a proposal to expand the conditions that qualify for the state’s limited cannabidiol-only medical cannabis law.

In a bipartisan 89-6 vote earlier this week, lawmakers approved House Bill 2835, sending the bill to the Senate for further consideration.

The bill would allow the same patient protections currently available to those with intractable forms of pediatric epilepsy to those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, chronic pain, neuropathic pain, spasticity…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Time Runs Out on Medical Marijuana Expansion in Utah; Supporters Focus on 2018 Ballot Iniatitive

Time Runs Out on Medical Marijuana Expansion in Utah; Supporters Focus on 2018 Ballot Iniatitive

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Lawmakers in Utah have adjourned for the year without passing any of the pending proposals to expand access to medical marijuana products in the state.

Although two bills to expand Utah’s extremely limited medical marijuana program were approved by the Senate in February, those measures died in the House this week when a key committee voted to kill one, and then the clock ran out on the other when the 2016 legislative session ended Thursday.

Both bills attempted to expand 2014’s extremely limited CBD-only…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


South Dakota House Kills Limited Medical Marijuana Bill

PIERRE, SD — A bill that would have allowed patients suffering from intractable epilepsy to use some forms of medical marijuana rich in cannabidiol (CBD) was killed in the South Dakota House on Wednesday.

On a 25-43 roll call vote, the House voted to kill Senate Bill 171, which was passed by the Senate in February by a vote of 20-15.

The bill, which was first introduced and sponsored by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, would only have allowed patients suffering from intractable epilepsy to use cannabidiol in liquid, oil,…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Virginia General Assembly Passes Medical Marijuana Production Bill

RICHMOND, VA — Virginia’s lawmakers passed a bill Tuesday which will allow for the eventual production and distribution of low THC marijuana oils in the Commonwealth.

After lengthy discussions and negotiations in both houses, Senate Bill 701, Cannabidiol oil and THC-A oil; permitting of pharmaceutical processors to manufacture and provide, passed the House of Delegates unanimously on Monday.

The bill returned to the Senate Tuesday with amendments and passed with a vote of 39-0.

 The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for his…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Utah Lawmakers Kill Comprehensive Medical Marijuana Bill; Limited CBD Expansion Bill Remains Alive

Limited CBD expansion bill remains alive in final days of Utah’s 2016 legislative session

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — A key committee in the Utah House killed a comprehensive medical marijuana bill that had previously passed in the Senate, leaving just a CBD expansion bill alive as the final days of the 2016 legislative session near.

The House Health and Human Services Committee voted 8-4 against the passage of Senate Bill 73, the Medical Cannabis Act, on Monday.  The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen (R-Saratoga Springs), would have…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Florida Passes Another Useless Medical Marijuana Law

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Lawmakers in Florida voted Monday to approve a bill seeking to expand on the state’s non-existent medical marijuana program, sending it to the desk of Governor Rick Scott for final approval.

The bill, House Bill 307, is an attempt to expand the state’s low-THC medical marijuana program by allowing products made from cannabis strains with higher levels of THC available to those patients with terminally ill conditions.

The bill makes full-strength cannabis products available to the terminally ill under…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Latest Poll Finds 78% Support Medical Marijuana In Iowa

DES MOINES, IA — Over three quarters of Iowa residents support legalizing medical marijuana in Iowa, according to the latest poll released last week.

According to the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, 78% of adults support medical marijuana in the state, up from 58% support two years ago.  The poll, however, found much less support for legalizing recreational use of marijuana, with only 34% of adults in support.

The findings are consistent with other polls recently conducted in Iowa, which continue to show strong support for…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Utah Senate Passes Two Competing Medical Marijuana Bills

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Two competing bills to expand Utah’s extremely limited medical marijuana program were approved by the state Senate this week. One of those bills now heads to the House for consideration, while the other awaits a final vote, which could come as soon as Wednesday.

In a vote of 18 to 8, Senate Bill 89 passed a third and final reading in the Senate on Monday, sending it to the House for consideration.  The bill would expand upon 2014’s CBD-only medical marijuana law, which allows patients suffering from…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Virginia Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Improvement Bill

Parents Resuscitate Senate Bill 701 and Prepare for House Vote

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Senate voted 37 to 2 on Tuesday to pass Senate Bill 701, a bill that would allow the production and manufacturing of cannabidiol (CBD) oil and THC-A oil in the state.

For the past several weeks, patients, parents and advocates from across the state worked tirelessly to persuade members of the Senate to move forward on this issue, which until last year seemed out of reach for Virginia’s conservative legislature.

Last year’s passage of Senate Bill…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Utah Senate Committee Passes Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill

Utah Senate Committee Passes Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — A bill to expand Utah’s 2014 medical marijuana law received a favorable recommendation in a key Senate committee this week, setting up a possible floor vote by the full Senate.

The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement, and Criminal Justice Committee voted 4-1 Thursday to approve Senate Bill 73, the Medical Cannabis Act, sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen (R-Saratoga Springs).

Madsen’s proposal seeks to amend state law to allow the state-licensed cultivation of cannabis, including strains with higher THC content, for…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Two Marijuana Policy Bills Progressing in Kansas

TOPEKA, KS — Two bills that would improve Kansas’ marijuana policies have passed the House and are moving in the Senate.

The first bill, now called Senate Bill 147, would permit patients with seizures to access low-THC cannabis, called medical hemp preparations in the bill. While it is not a full medical marijuana law and would leave many patients behind, the bill proposes a workable system to provide immediate relief to some seriously ill Kansans. In addition, by passing the House, it has advanced much further than any medical…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Kansas: Hemp, CBD, Penalty Reduction Bill Being Considered

Kansas: Hemp, CBD, Penalty Reduction Bill Being Considered

TOPEKA, KS — Lawmakers in the Kansas Senate are considering legislation, House Bill 2049, to amend various penalties and regulations specific to marijuana possession and use.

Members of the House of Representatives approved the measure by a vote of 81 to 36 last year. Members of the Senate are now debating the bill.

House Bill 2049 seeks to a) establish a statewide research program to oversee the production of industrial hemp, b) authorize the limited use of cannabidiol for therapeutic purposes, and c) reduce criminal penalties for…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


Medical Marijuana Expansion Bill Introduced in Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Utah lawmakers will debate legislation in the 2016 legislative session to expand the use and distribution of medicinal cannabis products.

Under a 2014 law, qualifying patients are permitted to possess cannabis extracts that contain more than 15 percent CBD and no more than 0.3 percent THC. However, the law provides no legal supply source for these products and, as a result, it has largely failed to meet the needs of patients.

Senate Bill 73, the Medical Cannabis Act, sponsored by Sen. Mark Madsen, seeks to amend state…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article …


ASA Debuts ‘Truth About Medical Marijuana’ Educational Series

New Campaign Aims to Deepen Public Knowledge about Medical Marijuana

WASHINGTON, DC —  Americans for Safe Access (ASA) on Wednesday launched the “Truth About Medical Marijuana” educational website and accompanying event series.

The Truth About Medical Marijuana will focus on emerging issues in the area of medical marijuana, including understanding the research behind the medicine, emerging policies issues surrounding cannabidiol (CBD) and consumer safety issues.

During each of the next three months, event hosts will focus on these issues and prepare attendees to share that information with politicians and key decision makers, as well as providing tools to counter misinformation in the media.

“With the majority of Americans living in states that allow at least some kind of medical…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


North Carolina Governor Signs Bill Improving CBD Law

RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory (R) signed into law House Bill 766 late last week, giving final approval to a bill that makes significant changes to a law enacted last year allowing the use of some medical marijuana extracts to treat seizures associated with epilepsy.

House Bill 766, the North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act, was approved by the legislature earlier this month.  The new law, which takes effect August 1, amends the exemption for the use or possession of some medical marijuana extracts containing high amounts of cannabidiol, and allows neurologists to use the extracts to treat intractable epilepsy without being required to participate in a research study.

Last year, lawmakers in North Carolina approved the Hope 4 Haley and Friends…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


North Carolina Approves Changes to Limited Medical Marijuana Law

RALEIGH, NC — Lawmakers in North Carolina Senate have passed a bill that would make significant changes to a law enacted last year that allows the use of some medical marijuana extracts to treat seizures associated with epilepsy, sending the measure to Governor Pat McCrory for final approval.

The bill, House Bill 766, the North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act, was approved by the Senate in a 15-0 vote earlier this month.  The House previously approved the bill in April, but several changes made in the Senate required a final vote in the House.

On Tuesday, the House voted 112-2 to approve those changes.  The bill now heads to the desk of Governor Pat McCrory, who is expected to sign the measure into law.

Last year, lawmakers in North Carolina approved the Hope 4 Haley…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


North Carolina Senate Approves Changes to State’s CBD Law

RALEIGH, NC — Lawmakers in the North Carolina Senate have passed a bill that would make significant changes to a law enacted last year that allows the use of some medical marijuana extracts to treat seizures associated with epilepsy.

House Bill 766, the North Carolina Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act, was approved by the Senate in a 15-0 vote Wednesday.  The House previously approved the bill in April, but several changes made in the Senate will require approval by the House before the bill can be sent to Governor Pat McCrory for final approval.

Last year, lawmakers in North Carolina approved the Hope 4 Haley and Friends Act, allowing limited use of medical marijuana extracts containing high levels of cannabidiol (CBD) but only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  The…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Delaware Governor Signs Bill to Allow Medical Marijuana Use by Children

DOVER, DE — On Tuesday, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed into law a bill that will allow children to be accepted into Delaware’s medical marijuana program.  The bill was unanimously passed by both chambers in the legislature earlier this month.

Under Senate Bill 90, known as Rylie’s Law, special under-18 medical marijuana cards will be issued to qualifying minors that will allow them access to medical marijuana oils that contain limited amounts of THC once dispensaries become operational later this month.

To qualify, minors must suffer from intractable epilepsy or a medical condition that has not responded to other treatments and that involves wasting, intractable nausea, or severe, painful, and persistent muscle spasms.

Only medical marijuana oils that contain a…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Delaware Lawmakers Unanimously Approve Allowing Medical Marijuana Oils by Children

DOVER, DE — A bill that would allow children to be accepted into Delaware’s medical marijuana program has been unanimously passed by both chambers in the legislature, and heads to the desk of Governor Jack Markell for final approval.

The bill, Senate Bill 90, also adds intractable epilepsy to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for medical marijuana in the state.

The House voted 40-0 on Thursday to approve the measure, which passed the Senate by a 21-0 vote last week.

Currently, under Delaware’s medical marijuana law, minors under 18 years old are not eligible for the program.

Under the bill passed Thursday, known as Rylie’s Law, special under-18 medical…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Source: The Daily Chronic

Texas Governor Signs ‘Unworkable’ Medical Marijuana Bill

AUSTIN, TX — As expected, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 339 into law on Monday, a measure aimed at allowing individuals with intractable epilepsy access to cannabidiol (CBD oil) to treat seizures, although advocates say the bill is ‘unworkable’ as enacted.

“There is currently no cure for intractable epilepsy and many patients have had little to no success with currently approved drugs,” Abbott said in a signing statement issued Monday. “However, we have seen promising results from CBD oil testing and with the…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Nebraska Senate Passes Bill to Study Cannabidiol for Seizures

LINCOLN, NE — Lawmakers in the Nebraska Senate have approved a measure that could soon allow residents suffering from severe seizure disorders to participate in a study on the effectiveness of cannabidiol.

Senators voted 44-2 on Thursday to approve LB 390, which would commission a University of Nebraska Medical Center study on the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating severe epileptic seizures.  The bill was sponsored by Sen. Sue Crawford (N-Bellevue).

Under the proposed “Medical Cannabidiol Pilot Study,” only the Nebraska…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Texas House Passes Flawed CBD Bill

Monday evening, the Texas State House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 339 with a vote of 96-34. The bill seeks to allow patients with intractable epilepsy to access cannabis oil containing high levels of cannabidiol, or CBD, and only trace levels of THC.

On a certain level, the legislature should be commended for acknowledging the medical value of marijuana, and it is an historic vote in that sense.

Unfortunately, SB 339, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler), is extremely unlikely to provide patients with relief because it…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


‘Unworkable’ Medical Marijuana Bill Passes in Texas

AUSTIN, TX — Lawmakers in the Texas House voted 96 to 34 on Monday to approve a bill intended to allow patients with intractable seizure conditions to access some forms of medical marijuana, but advocates say the bill is unworkable.

Senate Bill 339, Texas Compassionate Use Act, was approved last week by the Senate, and now heads to Republican Governor Greg Abbott for final approval.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-Tyler), will only allow “low-THC cannabis” which is defined in the bill by containing less than .5%…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Federal Bill to Legalize CBD-Rich Medical Cannabis Strains Filed in US Senate

WASHINGTON, DC — Bipartisan legislation has been filed in the United States Senate to exempt cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabidiol-rich strains of cannabis from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.

U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with co-sponsors Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), and Michael Bennet (D-CO), introduced S.1333,  the Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2015, on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued by Sen. Gardner, the…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Kansas House Passes Bill to Reduce Marijuana Penalties; Allow Access to Low-THC Medical Marijuana Oils

TOPEKA, KS — Lawmakers in the Kansas House passed a bill Thursday that would reduce marijuana possession penalties, authorize the study of industrial hemp cultivation, and allow limited medical marijuana use for patients suffering from seizures.

The bill, House Bill 2049, passed on an “Emergency Final Action” by a vote of 81 to 36, sending the bill to the Senate without the need for additional readings or debate in the House.

As introduced, the bill would reduce the sentencing range for first time marijuana possession offenders from…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Texas Senate Passes ‘Unworkable’ Medical Marijuana Bill

AUSTIN, TX — Lawmakers in the Texas Senate approved a bill Thursday intended to allow patients with intractable seizure conditions to access some forms of medical marijuana, but advocates say the bill is unworkable in its current form.

Senate Bill 339, Texas Compassionate Use Act, was approved Thursday by a vote of 26 to 5, sending the bill to the House of Representatives for consideration.  An identical companion bill, House Bill 892 has already received a favorable recommendation from a key House committee, which could expedite the…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Missouri CBD Expansion Bill Close to Vote in House

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — A bill that would expand Missouri’s limited medical cannabis oil program has advanced once again in the state legislature, as the end of the legislative session draws near.

On Monday, Senate Bill 386, which would allow doctors to recommend CBD oil for disorders other than intractable epilepsy, received a unanimous vote and do-pass recommendation from the House Emerging Issues Committee.

The bill has now been assigned to the Select Committee on General Laws, and if given approval will advance to the floor of the…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Limited High-CBD/Low-THC Medical Mairijuana Bills Advance in Texas

AUSTIN, TX — Lawmakers in both chambers of the Texas legislature have given preliminary approval to companion legislation to allow the use medical marijuana extracts rich in cannabidoil (CBD) for patients suffering from uncontrollable epilepsy, advancing the bills out of committee and sending them to the floor of their respective chambers for a vote.

House Bill 892, co-sponsored by 11 Republicans and 5 Democrats, was approved by an 8-1 vote in the House Public Health Committee on Monday.  Meanwhile, Senate Bill 339 was approved by a…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Tennessee Governor Signs Limited Cannabis Oil Bill

NASHVILLE, TN — As expected, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed an extremely limited medical marijuana bill that will allow cannabis oil to treat seizures.

Gov. Haslam signed the bill, Senate Bill 280, Monday morning.  The bill contains an emergency clause, making the law effective immediately.

The new law will legalize the possession — but not cultivation or sale — of some cannabis extracts to treat severe seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Instead, the bills allow patients to bring cannabis oil in to Tennessee for…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Oklahoma Governor Signs Bill Authorizing Clinical Trials of CBD for Children with Epilepsy

Gov. Mary Fallin signs bill to allow children with epilepsy access to CBD trials, but states “I will never support the legalization of marijuana in Oklahoma.”

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Oklahoma’s Republican Governor Mary Fallin signed House Bill 2154 into law on Thursday, authorizing a medical pilot program allowing the medically supervised use of cannabidiol (CBD) — a low THC non-intoxicating derivative of marijuana — for children with epilepsy.

House Bill 215, which passed the legislature earlier this month, will allow children…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Why Georgia Won’t Become the 24th Medical Marijuana State

With the passage of House Bill 1 in Georgia this week, the state will become the 36th state with some form of medical marijuana protection for patients, but the law falls short of making the state the 24th “medical marijuana state,” in spite of stories to the contrary. The act was approved by both the Georgia House and Senate earlier this week and now moves to the desk of Gov. Nathan Deal where it is expected to be signed soon.

While definitions on what is and is not a medical marijuana state are clearly subjective, the newly passed…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Georgia Governor to Sign Limited Medical Marijuana Bill

ATLANTA, GA — A spokesperson for Georgia Governor Nathan Deal said the Republican will sign legislation that will allow access to low-THC cannabis oil for patients suffering from some conditions.

Gov. Deal will sign the bill after the legislative session ends next week, spokesman Brian Robinson said Thursday.  The Governor is also expected to issue an executive order directing state agencies to begin preparing to enact the legislation on Friday.

The restrictive bill, which advocates say does not quallify Georgia to be considered a…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Idaho Senate Passes Limited Cannabis Oil Bill

BOISE, ID — The Idaho Senate has approved a bill to allow the use of some oils extracted from cannabis plants to treat children with severe forms epilepsy.  The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Senators voted 22-12 on Tuesday to approve Senate Bill 1146, which if enacted would decriminalize cannabidiol oil (CBD), a non-psychotropic extract of marijuana. Proponents of cannabidiol oil argue that it reduces the amount and length of seizures in children with intractable forms of epilepsy.

Originally, the bill didn’t legalize…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…


Georgia Senate Approves Limited Medical Marijuana Bill

ATLANTA, GA —  The Georgia Senate has overwhelmingly passed a limited medical marijuana bill that would allow access to low-THC cannabis oil for patients suffering from some conditions.

Titled the Haleigh’s Hope Act, House Bill 1, which has already been approved by the House, was amended in the Senate and now returns to the lower chamber for some tweaking.

The original bill’s author, Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon) said that he feels confident that the House will approve the substitute bill from the Senate Health and Human Services…

CONTINUE READING: Click Here to Continue Reading Article…