Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Alexis Bortell is the unlikely face of a controversial issue.
"Medical cannabis will help me," said the 9-year-old girl. "It's illegal in Texas, and we're trying to change that."
Her story has attracted attention across Texas. Two Republican lawmakers recently introduced legislation to legalize medical marijuana – not the kind you smoke, but rather cannabis oil.
"It will help reduce my seizures," Alexis explained.
They strike about twice a week. Her seizures aren't violent, but are still serious, and made more so because drugs won't help.
"This may or may not work, but it hurts to know that there's something out there that could help her and we can't get access to it because of our ZIP code," said Dean Bortell, Alexis' father. "We kind of feel like we failed her."
Alexis can't ride a bicycle, can't sleep over with friends or many other things 9-year-old girls do at this age. An adult who can administer her emergency medicine always has to be around in case she has a seizure and collapses.
The Texas bill, sponsored by State Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-District 1) and State Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-District 91), is a good start, Dean said, but it doesn't go far enough. If passed in its original form, the Texas Department of Public Safety would regulate use of the substance rather than the Department of State Health Services.
In addition, the first doses wouldn't begin until 2018, and patients would first have to undergo all medical procedures before being eligible for cannabis oil containing low-THC.
"We're gonna have to move," admitted Dean, a conservative Christian. "We'll begin preparations for the actual physical move from this location to Colorado, and we'll begin treating her in late June."
Alexis already has a "red card" which lets her obtain cannabis oil in Colorado.
She has never actually tried cannabis oil because her father fears the Texas Department of Child Protective Services might dru-test her because of Alexis' high-profile position on the issue.
Alexis plans to testify before lawmakers when the bills reach committee.
The Bortells are resigned to the low legislative odds in a deeply conservative state, but plan to keep fighting until the final gavel falls in May.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: North Texas girl needing cannabis oil leaving state > KAGS TV - College Station, Texas
Author: Web Staff
Contact: KAGS TV - College Station, Texas > Inside KAGS > Contact KAGS
Photo Credit: Team Alexis Facebook Page
Website: KAGS TV - College Station, Texas > Home
"Medical cannabis will help me," said the 9-year-old girl. "It's illegal in Texas, and we're trying to change that."
Her story has attracted attention across Texas. Two Republican lawmakers recently introduced legislation to legalize medical marijuana – not the kind you smoke, but rather cannabis oil.
"It will help reduce my seizures," Alexis explained.
They strike about twice a week. Her seizures aren't violent, but are still serious, and made more so because drugs won't help.
"This may or may not work, but it hurts to know that there's something out there that could help her and we can't get access to it because of our ZIP code," said Dean Bortell, Alexis' father. "We kind of feel like we failed her."
Alexis can't ride a bicycle, can't sleep over with friends or many other things 9-year-old girls do at this age. An adult who can administer her emergency medicine always has to be around in case she has a seizure and collapses.
The Texas bill, sponsored by State Sen. Kevin Eltife (R-District 1) and State Rep. Stephanie Klick (R-District 91), is a good start, Dean said, but it doesn't go far enough. If passed in its original form, the Texas Department of Public Safety would regulate use of the substance rather than the Department of State Health Services.
In addition, the first doses wouldn't begin until 2018, and patients would first have to undergo all medical procedures before being eligible for cannabis oil containing low-THC.
"We're gonna have to move," admitted Dean, a conservative Christian. "We'll begin preparations for the actual physical move from this location to Colorado, and we'll begin treating her in late June."
Alexis already has a "red card" which lets her obtain cannabis oil in Colorado.
She has never actually tried cannabis oil because her father fears the Texas Department of Child Protective Services might dru-test her because of Alexis' high-profile position on the issue.
Alexis plans to testify before lawmakers when the bills reach committee.
The Bortells are resigned to the low legislative odds in a deeply conservative state, but plan to keep fighting until the final gavel falls in May.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: North Texas girl needing cannabis oil leaving state > KAGS TV - College Station, Texas
Author: Web Staff
Contact: KAGS TV - College Station, Texas > Inside KAGS > Contact KAGS
Photo Credit: Team Alexis Facebook Page
Website: KAGS TV - College Station, Texas > Home
