Gardner, Wyden lead fight to legalize hemp oil

U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) led a bipartisan team of Senators in introducing legislation last week to legalize therapeutic hemp used to fight seizures in children and adults suffering from intractable epilepsy.

Joining the pair as co-sponsors on The Therapeutic Hemp Medical Access Act of 2015 were Sens. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Michael Bennet (D-CO).

At issue is the legalization of certain strains of medical marijuana, commonly known as Charlotte’s Web, that contain a small amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, as well as highly concentrated cannabidiol (CBD).

Charlotte’s Web is named for Charlotte Fiji, an 8-year-old Colorado resident who suffers from severe epileptic seizures. She was one of the first patients to realize significant results from hemp oil treatment.

Since Charlotte’s case was publicized, the use of therapeutic hemp oil has proven to be successful in treating seizures in a number of other patients as well. The oil has been legalized in many states, but is still banned at the federal level under the Controlled Substances Act.

The conflict between the federal and state laws has forced many patients to move to states, such as Colorado, where they legally can receive the drug. The proposed bill would remove the federal prohibitions on hemp oil as a treatment option, giving access to patients nationwide.

“This bill would provide children and adults alike with access to medicine they need to treat life-threatening conditions,” Gardner said. “Colorado has become a haven for people in need and parents desperate to pursue treatment for their children. Making this medicine available nationwide is the right thing to do and would help families cope with these serious illnesses.”

The bill has been endorsed by the Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit group that advocates for individuals who suffer from epilepsy and seizures. It is also supported by The Coalition for Access Now, a nonprofit organization led by families nationwide who are advocates for the therapy.

“…Federal laws are out of step and needless barriers remain,” Wyden said. “Caught in the middle are kids and other patients who suffer from debilitating seizures that could be more effectively treated with easier access to medically effective CBD cannabis strains. That’s what this bill does and that’s why it’s important. This bill will make it possible for people in need to get access to a potential lifesaver and to live healthier, more carefree lives.”