Committee Unanimously Passes Medical Marijuana Bill to Senate Floor

The South Carolina Medical Affairs Committee voted unanimously on Thursday, March 20th, to move a bill to the Senate floor that would allow for some limited use of medical marijuana.

The bill covers only one particular derivative of medical marijuana, called Cannabidiol, which reportedly has therapeutic properties. The chemical compound, also called CBD, can be derived from marijuana as an oil and used to alleviate symptoms of some neurological disorders such as epilepsy. THC, another prominent chemical in marijuana, is responsible for the “high” or euphoric feeling sought out by recreational users.

The medical marijuana bill, supported by both Democrats and Republicans in the house, was inspired by the story of Mary Louise Swing, whose severe epilepsy was effectively treated with Charlotte’s Web.

The six-year-old could have as many as 100 seizures in an hour, and, while not life-threatening, they prevented her from learning to walk or talk, and led to injuries like a busted lip and broken teeth. Prescribed medications barely made a dent. However, her desperate parents tried cannabidiol, and for the first time, Mary Louise’s seizures stopped. She was able to talk and walk with minimal assistance.

“It’s very scientifically based medical use within sanction, and the only reason we’re talking about it today is because it’s from an organic source that is controversial,” said Rep. Kris Crawford, the legislature’s only ER doctor.

The bill only passed committee, however, because it stipulated strict, federally-approved tests of CBD to show that it is a therapeutic drug that can be prescribed by doctors. The FDA would have to approve a clinical trial of the oil, and the bill does not allow for other types of medical marijuana.

“I think we need to break down some of the pejorative stereotypes we have and we need to go ahead and recognize that this is a medicine prescribe by doctors who’ve made a diagnosis just like any other medicine,” said State Senator Tom Davis, who originally introduced the bill. “If we have the ability to provide relief to anybody suffering from severe epilepsy we need to go ahead and take those steps.”

The bill will be voted on next week, on March 26th. Meanwhile, another bill promoted by House Minority Leader Tom Rutherford, would legalize a wider use of medical marijuana, particularly for chronic diseases like epilepsy, cancer, and multiple schlerosis.

Currently, no use of marijuana or marijuana-derivatives, including medical marijuana, are legal in South Carolina.

If You Face Marijuana Charges, Including for Medical Marijuana Use, The Strom Law Firm Can Help

If you or a loved one have been found with medical marijuana, you could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on how much marijuana was on your person, and what your intent was with the drug. The drug crimes attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Do not let drug charges for medical marijuana hurt your reputation or your future aspirations. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help. 803.252.4800