Political Insider

Johnny Isakson signs onto medical marijuana oil bill in Senate

Liza Smith (R) of White Stone, Va., mother of 14-year-old Haley Smith (L) who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, wipes tears as she speaks during a news conference about efforts to legalize therapeutic hemp and cannabidiol at the National Press Club April 22 in Washington. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Liza Smith (R) of White Stone, Va., mother of 14-year-old Haley Smith (L) who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome, wipes tears as she speaks during a news conference about efforts to legalize therapeutic hemp and cannabidiol at the National Press Club April 22 in Washington. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
By Daniel Malloy
May 14, 2015

A group of U.S. senators introduced a medical marijuana bill Wednesday that seeks to do what Georgia's did to legalize epilepsy treatments with hemp oil at the federal level.

It's different from a House version we told you about recently because it allows the Food and Drug Administration more leeway to regulate the cannabidiol products, thus earning the support of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. Said the state's senior senator in a press release:

"This legislation will ensure that families of children suffering from seizures have access to treatments that can provide them with a better quality of life. The legislation also removes federal barriers for Georgia families who want to bring the cannabis oil back to Georgia in order to administer medical treatment in the comfort of their own home. I've always been a supporter of research and innovation as a leading driver in finding new and improved treatment options for those affected by diseases and disorders." 

The other original co-sponsors of the “Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act” are Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo.; Ron Wyden, D-Ore; Jeff Merkeley, D-Ore.; Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; and Michael Bennet, D-Colo.

Even though Georgia has legalized possession of the drug, it remains illegal to carry it across state lines. The House version has not yet received a hearing.

(A version of this item was first featured in The Daily Jolt.)

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Daniel Malloy

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