Illinois House Committee Approves Medical Marijuana for Epileptic Children

May 8, 2014

Although the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program is still months away from being fully functional, the legislature is moving forward with an amendment that would allow children with symptoms of epilepsy to use medical marijuana. Senate Bill 2636 amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act to add epileptic-type seizures to the list of debilitating medical conditions that are treatable with cannabis. It would also allow patients under the age of 18, who suffer from epileptic seizures to use medical cannabis. On May 7, 2014 the proposal passed committee by an overwhelming 15-0 vote. The proposal has already passed in the Senate.

The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) has indicated he plans to offer further amendments to the bill that would prohibit children from smoking the cannabis. At the hearing, parents of children with epilepsy contended that the oil from cannabis plants has little-to-no THC and does not cause the children to get high, but it can dramatically reduce the frequency of seizures.

Heyl Royster will continue to be at the forefront of this developing law. We have hosted a webinar and seminars throughout the state covering the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Please feel free to join us in Rockford on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a Lunch-and-Learn presentation at the NIU Rockford Campus, 8500 E. State Street, Room 200.