Connecticut House Approves Medical Marijuana Oil for Children

Parents of children in Connecticut suffering from seizure disorders (epilepsy) and other severe neurological disorders may soon be able obtain marijuana oil and other liquid medical marijuana products to treat their children.

The Connecticut House approved the amendment to the existing medical marijuana law to include children. The bill is now in the state Senate’s hands. According to CT Post, the Board of Physicians has included provisions to include new ailments to be added and removing some where marijuana has not proven to be a successful treatment option as of yet.

One mother, Dana Haddox-Wright, said, “I am thrilled.” Dana has a daughter that suffers from Dravet syndrome, a form of childhood epilepsy.

Representative Matt Ritter stated, “I think it’s easy to say the Legislature is giving marijuana to kids. That’s not what we’re saying. No one is lighting up.”

In order for children to be able to use marijuana products, a primary care physician and a specialist must provide a recommendation for program participation.

Representative Gail Lavielle has openly supported legislation and regulation of medical marijuana. She mentioned, “This is a serious question, a serious bill, a serious debate. The material in this bill is very important to them, and I therefore felt I owed them all my attention in thinking about it. I am not these parents. These are not my children and they are not my patients. And I have to ask myself, who am I to tell them what to do?”

Fellow supporter of the bill, Representative Pam Staneski said, “I have to say that the program as it’s been put in place is definitely well-regulated. I know talking with patients that is has provided some relief.”

Representative Jason Perillo also chimed in and said, “I’ve heard a lot of members say today, ‘How do I vote for this bill and go back to my district and tell the folks who are my neighbors and friends that I supported a bill that gives marijuana to kids?’ We’re not talking about giving marijuana to kids on a street corner to smoke. We are providing a tool to doctors to help kids who are sick, very sick.”