Wisconsinites Hope CBD Law Leads to a Real Medical Marijuana Law

Representative David Bowen says the newly signed CBD bill is “not enough.”  The bill doesn’t allow in state access for patients. Production and delivery of the oil aren’t permitted.

Bowen said, “It would make sense to allow that accessibility barrier to be removed so folks who are suffering won’t have to jump through hoops to get access to a natural source.”

Representative Chris Taylor introduced an amendment to allow in state production, but it lacked Republican support, Badger Herald reports. Bowen says that several ailments can be treated with CBD oil, such as seizures. Representative Scott Krug says that CBD oil is a “big step” in treatment options for those with medical problems.

Taylor said, “We agreed parents should be able to use this oil, but how are they going to get it?”

Krug said, “There is no slippery slope, there is no worry of people getting high on CBD oil. The levels of THC grant relief for many medical conditions, but are limited.”

CBD oil doesn’t provide equal benefits of medical marijuana like pain management, cancer treatment or nausea relief, according to Taylor. She also says that medical marijuana would address more serious health conditions. Taylor introduced the Compassionate Cannabis Care Act to legalize medical marijuana.

Taylor said, “We’re way behind in allowing patients to access this medication that they need. Policymakers need to listen to their constituents and make sure patients are not being treated as criminals.”

Bowen says that a gap remains in the Legislature in getting everyone on the same page regarding the benefits of medical marijuana. Bowen and Taylor both agree the CBD oil bill’s signing is a little better for conversation and gave substance to the issue.

Bowen said, “It’s good for the state of Wisconsin to recognize that a natural substance can be medically prescribed by a doctor can help individuals.”

Bowen and Taylor want to see medical marijuana bills get hearings. Bowen wants to hear public comments on medical marijuana and start a discussion about it.

Bowen said, “It would allow us and the public to have a real conversation about medical marijuana and the people that can be prescribed it instead of opiates, which we know can be very addictive.”