Robert Celt
New Member
Patients and caretakers for Virginians with severe epilepsy gathered outside the General Assembly building Tuesday.
They're asking lawmakers to help them gain easier access to medical marijuana.
Last year, the legislature and governor agreed to provide legal protection at state level for those possessing medical marijuana oil for treatment of epilepsy. But now families have returned to Richmond because there's no system in place for them to get the medication in the commonwealth.
Medical cannabis oil is not supposed to create highs, and for many of the families who gathered in the state capitol Monday, they say it's been the only treatment that's helped alleviate incessant seizures.
Now a bill is under consideration in the General Assembly to allow production and distribution of the oils.
Many families are forced to travel across state lines every month to refill their bottles.
Sarah Vogeley drove from Albemarle County to Richmond Tuesday because her son Owen, has severe epilepsy.
She said since Owen began receiving the cannabis oil, his seizures went down by 70 percent. But each month there's a scramble to get a new bottle, and she's concerned about the safety of the drug due to lack of regulation.
"I am so thankful to Virginia for passing this bill last year. Allowing us to have freedom from prosecution for owning this, possessing it, but now we have to have access to how we get it," said Vogeley.
Last session, many Republicans expressed concerns about creating legislation that steps on federal law.
In this case, once again, even if Virginia passes this bill, technically these families still don't have protection from the federal government.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: VA: Proponents Of Medical Marijuana Gather Outside General Assembly
Author: Staff
Photo Credit: The Columbus Dispatch
Website: NBC29
They're asking lawmakers to help them gain easier access to medical marijuana.
Last year, the legislature and governor agreed to provide legal protection at state level for those possessing medical marijuana oil for treatment of epilepsy. But now families have returned to Richmond because there's no system in place for them to get the medication in the commonwealth.
Medical cannabis oil is not supposed to create highs, and for many of the families who gathered in the state capitol Monday, they say it's been the only treatment that's helped alleviate incessant seizures.
Now a bill is under consideration in the General Assembly to allow production and distribution of the oils.
Many families are forced to travel across state lines every month to refill their bottles.
Sarah Vogeley drove from Albemarle County to Richmond Tuesday because her son Owen, has severe epilepsy.
She said since Owen began receiving the cannabis oil, his seizures went down by 70 percent. But each month there's a scramble to get a new bottle, and she's concerned about the safety of the drug due to lack of regulation.
"I am so thankful to Virginia for passing this bill last year. Allowing us to have freedom from prosecution for owning this, possessing it, but now we have to have access to how we get it," said Vogeley.
Last session, many Republicans expressed concerns about creating legislation that steps on federal law.
In this case, once again, even if Virginia passes this bill, technically these families still don't have protection from the federal government.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: VA: Proponents Of Medical Marijuana Gather Outside General Assembly
Author: Staff
Photo Credit: The Columbus Dispatch
Website: NBC29
