After CBD Oil Law Passed, Legislators Regrouping to Discuss More Medical Marijuana

On June 2nd, Governor Nikki Haley signed a bill into law making one very specific form of medical marijuana legal – CBD oil, or cannabidiol, which can treat epilepsy.

Now, legislators are meeting to discuss further medical marijuana legalization, and how patients can best gain access to CBD oil.

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. Although the FDA has not conducted specific tests into the effectiveness of this form of medical marijuana, many people believe that the CBD compound has medicinal properties that alleviate pain and discomfort from chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and cancer.

Reportedly, SLED, the SC Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Medical University of South Carolina, gathered on Wednesday, September 3rd to discuss medical marijuana legalization with legislators, as well as how marijuana products can best be grown and distributed to patients.

“South Carolina is very unique in the agricultural history we have. It’s different from other states so it’s very important for us to look at the advantages and disadvantages that South Carolina brings to the table before we implement any law,” said Clint Leach with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

“We have a role in the industrial hemp legislation and what we want to do with the other industries is figure out how we move this industry forward looking at what other states have done wether it be Colorado, or Kentucky, or Washington,” Leach said.

House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford has submitted numerous medical marijuana bills over the last few years, as the idea of prescription marijuana becomes more popular across the country. None of his efforts passed the 2013 or 2014 legislative sessions, but Rep. Rutherford has expressed interest in submitting another medical marijuana bill in 2015.

“I’ve gotten more push to bring back medical marijuana than anything else I’ve done in 16 years,” Rep. Rutherford told WIS in a July 16th interview.

“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,” Rutherford said.

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

Although many states have passed medical marijuana legislation, South Carolina still has not legalized the use of marijuana for recreational or medical reasons. You could be charged with drug possession.  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