DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The Iowa Senate has passed a bill legalizing the use of a form of marijuana to treat chronic epilepsy.
The measure, passed 36 to 12, goes to the House.
It allows the medical use of oil derived from the cannabis plant as a last-resort treatment for seizures caused by a chronic form of epilepsy.
The oil cannot be smoked and doesn’t create a high. It would have to be obtained in another state that produces it.
A written recommendation from a neurologist would be required. Patients and caregivers must acquire a registration card through Iowa’s Department of Public Health.
Some Senators emotionally credited mothers of children with epilepsy who lobbied lawmakers with changing their minds.
Opponents argued the bill sends a signal that marijuana is OK.
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