STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2017) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill Tuesday, which would allow Hoosiers to use cannibidiol oil to treat epilepsy, according to the bill’s co-author, State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth).
House Bill 1148 would allow a person to possess CBD oil if they or their child have been diagnosed with severe epilepsy, and they meet certain commonsense safety requirements. Arnold said CBD oil is a compound refined from cannabis that has a wide scope of medical applications, including the control of epilepsy and seizures.
“CBD oil can provide a life-changing treatment option for Hoosiers who suffer from epilepsy, especially children,” Arnold said. “This issue is one I have worked on for the past few years, and it’s encouraging to see strong support for this bill, which would give parents and patients who are out of options the power to seek alternative solutions for epilepsy treatment.”
Arnold also said CBD oil, while derived from cannabis, has very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, so it cannot be used as a recreational drug. Because of this restriction, CBD oil should not be confused with medical marijuana. CBD oil has shown documented effectiveness in helping manage the symptoms of otherwise persistent conditions of epilepsy, such as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
The bill will now go to the Senate for further consideration. Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about this legislation.
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State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents House District 74, which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
A high-resolution photo of Arnold can be downloaded by clicking here.
