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Indiana Marijuana Advocates to Have a Hearing with State Senate Committee

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Advocates for medical marijuana in Indiana were thrilled to be granted a hearing by the State Senate Committee. A hearing is a big step and provides hope for advocates and those wanting access to medical marijuana. A pilot program might be created to allow CBD oil to treat children with seizure disorders.

This isn’t a full-fledged medical marijuana program, but is a step in a forward direction, according to Fox 59 News. Indiana is lagging in allowing CBD oil and low-THC marijuana oils for patients suffering from seizure disorders. It is among the last in the country to consider legislation.

The pilot program bill has the best chance of passing, at least as of right now, advocates say. There are over 10 bills proposed in Indiana pertaining to medical marijuana in this legislative session. The co-author of the medical marijuana epilepsy bill is State Senator Blake Doriot.

The Senator has personal experience with pediatric seizure disorders as his own son suffered from them at a very young age.

Maggie Ellinger-Locke of Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) said, “It’s not a secret that more conservative states are a little more reluctant to go down this path than left-leaning, bluer states. It’s not an uncommon situation.”

Additional bills, like the one supported by Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis, want a bigger program that is for adults and veterans. Jeff Staker wants to combat the misinformation given to the public. He states that veterans don’t want to “just get high”, they want to treat chronic pain and PTSD.

Staker said, “We’re the protectors of our country, we are the enforcement of democracy. And we come back and you don’t want to fight for our rights? I don’t think so.”

So far, no other medical marijuana proposed bills have been given a hearing. Advocates hope the State Legislature will consider another of the proposed bills or two that are a bit broader than the epilepsy bill.