Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Michigan won't allow the use of medical marijuana to control the effects of severe autism, an official said Thursday, rejecting the recommendation of an advisory panel.
Michigan would have been the first state to add autism to the list of conditions that qualify for pot. But Mike Zimmer, director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, said he wasn't swayed, citing a lack of deep research and other concerns.
"It's frustrating and disappointing after all we've been through," said Michael Komorn, an attorney for the woman who filed the petition. "It should be a choice that parents and doctors make."
Marijuana wouldn't be smoked. Supporters say oil extracted from the plant and swallowed has been effective in controlling extreme physical behavior, such as outbursts, kicking and punching.
The petition was filed by a Wayne County woman who reported dramatic improvement in her son. He is autistic but is qualified to use marijuana because of epileptic seizures. Lisa Smith said she wants to help other families.
Zimmer, however, questioned whether oil even is allowed under the medical marijuana law. He said the law mostly refers to dried leaves and flowers from the plant.
"That is wrong. He misinterprets the Medical Marijuana Act," Komorn said.
Zimmer also said the petition as submitted technically wouldn't limit marijuana only to autistic kids with a severe condition.
"Autism likely impacts more children than other qualifying medical conditions, effectively rebutting any claim that any increase in (marijuana) participation by minors would be minimal," Zimmer said.
Two doctors must approve any use of medical marijuana by minors. Supporters of adding autism to the list included Dr. Harry Chugani, chief of pediatric neurology at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
On a 4-2 vote, an advisory panel in July recommended adding autism to the medical marijuana program. Parents desperate to try a new tool packed the meeting and applauded the decision.
The dissenters included Dr. Eden Wells, Michigan's chief medical executive.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Michigan rejects medical marijuana for severe autism | Local - WSBT.com
Author: The Associated Press
Contact: WSBT: Contact Us
Photo Credit: CBS News
Website: WSBT: News, Weather and Sports for Michiana
Michigan would have been the first state to add autism to the list of conditions that qualify for pot. But Mike Zimmer, director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, said he wasn't swayed, citing a lack of deep research and other concerns.
"It's frustrating and disappointing after all we've been through," said Michael Komorn, an attorney for the woman who filed the petition. "It should be a choice that parents and doctors make."
Marijuana wouldn't be smoked. Supporters say oil extracted from the plant and swallowed has been effective in controlling extreme physical behavior, such as outbursts, kicking and punching.
The petition was filed by a Wayne County woman who reported dramatic improvement in her son. He is autistic but is qualified to use marijuana because of epileptic seizures. Lisa Smith said she wants to help other families.
Zimmer, however, questioned whether oil even is allowed under the medical marijuana law. He said the law mostly refers to dried leaves and flowers from the plant.
"That is wrong. He misinterprets the Medical Marijuana Act," Komorn said.
Zimmer also said the petition as submitted technically wouldn't limit marijuana only to autistic kids with a severe condition.
"Autism likely impacts more children than other qualifying medical conditions, effectively rebutting any claim that any increase in (marijuana) participation by minors would be minimal," Zimmer said.
Two doctors must approve any use of medical marijuana by minors. Supporters of adding autism to the list included Dr. Harry Chugani, chief of pediatric neurology at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
On a 4-2 vote, an advisory panel in July recommended adding autism to the medical marijuana program. Parents desperate to try a new tool packed the meeting and applauded the decision.
The dissenters included Dr. Eden Wells, Michigan's chief medical executive.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Michigan rejects medical marijuana for severe autism | Local - WSBT.com
Author: The Associated Press
Contact: WSBT: Contact Us
Photo Credit: CBS News
Website: WSBT: News, Weather and Sports for Michiana
