STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2017) – State Rep. Bill Friend’s (R-Macy) legislation to allow the use of cannabidiol oil for treatment-resistant epilepsy could soon become law.
House Enrolled Act 1148 would allow a person to possess CBD oil if they or their child have been diagnosed with severe, treatment-resistant epilepsy, and they meet certain commonsense safety requirements. Friend said CBD oil is a compound refined from industrial hemp that has a wide scope of medical applications, including the control of epileptic seizures.
“Allowing the use of CBD oil as an option for treatment-resistant epilepsy is something I have supported for the last four years,” Friend said. “There are individuals and families across the state who have utilized a variety of traditional treatment options without success. CBD oil has shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of epilepsy when other options have failed, and I think this is an option that Hoosiers, especially children experiencing seizures, deserve to have.”
This legislation would also require the Indiana State Department of Health to establish and maintain a registry for patients that use CBD oil as treatment. Additionally, Friend said the physicians who authorize and the caregiver or patient who is in possession of CBD oil would have immunity from prosecution.
Friend said CBD oil, while derived from industrial hemp, has extremely low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, so it cannot be used as a recreational drug. This legislation would not legalize marijuana or medical marijuana in any form.
House Enrolled Act 1148 can now be considered by the governor for further action. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this bill.
-30-
State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
