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One Medical Marijuana Bill Could Pass in SC

SC Lawmakers Could Pass Narrow Medical Marijuana Bill

medical marijuana billAlthough a broader medical marijuana bill failed to go anywhere in the South Carolina Senate this session, a much narrower bill that ensures a very specific use of medical marijuana could pass.

On Wednesday, May 7th, Senate Medical Affairs subcommittee agreed to move forward with H. 4803, a bill that would allow use of CBD, or cannabidiol oil, to treat epilepsy in clinical trials. The Senate already passed a similar but much more restrictive bill – S. 1035.

H. 4803 would allow any physician in South Carolina participating in the clinical trial to provide CBD oil to a patient with any form of refractory epilepsy. The Senate version of the bill allowed clinical trials only at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Senator Brad Hutton, D-Orangeburg, stated that he preferred the House’s version of the medical marijuana bill because it allows broader access to a drug that could drastically help the lives of some of his rural constituents. To get treatment with medical marijuana, patients would not have to commute all the way to Charleston simply to receive treatment.

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.

“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.”

“This is what parents need,” said Rep. Jenny Horne, R-Summerville, the House bill’s main sponsor. The Senate version “is too restrictive because, in reality, it’s nearly impossible to get into a clinical trial. … This can be a miracle drug. It’s the right thing to do.”

“This is a bill whose time has simply come. Stop the suffering that people endure on a regular basis because we have an antiquated notion that something that grows out of the ground must be eradicated by the government,” said House Minority Leader Tom Rutherford, D-Columbia. Rutherford is responsible for previous medical marijuana legislation that did not pass. He also proposed a new bill, called the “Put Patients First Act,” that would allow medical marijuana prescriptions for chronic illnesses with associated pain such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, cachexia, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.

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

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