A measure to legalize CBD oil use for patients 18-years-old and younger has passed the Indiana Senate, which would allow some physicians, nurses, caregivers, and individuals to use the oil to treat intractable epilepsy, allowing pharmacies to dispense it. Under the proposal, the oil must be derived from industrial hemp, as it is required to meet the federal definition of hemp, which is set at .3 percent THC.
The bill (SB.15) would also establish a pilot study registry for physicians to study CBD as an epilepsy treatment. It does not include provisions allowing the cultivation of cannabis; however, Jeff Staker, head of Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis, said the approval “could open the door” for other medical cannabis and hemp-related legislation in the state.
“Obviously we all see this as a huge step here in our state,” Staker said in an interview with Ganjapreneur. “It’s made from the cannabis plant and you got to get a prescription so it’s medical cannabis.”
According to the bill’s fiscal statement, the state Health Department could charge up to a $50 initial registration fee and up to $25 for a renewal. The authors estimate that the fees would top $158,000 during the first year, equating to a patient count of 3,160.
The measure, which passed the Senate 38-12, has been sent to the House.