Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has signed a bill removing any federally approved CBD product or drug from the state’s definition of “marijuana,” NewsOK reports. However, the move does little in the way of providing access to CBD therapies as no CBD-based drug or product has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
In Oklahoma, CBD – commonly used to treat severe seizures – has been permitted only for use by researchers in clinical trials.
State Rep. Jon Echols said the measure “is the next logical step to expanding the state’s highly successful CBD program” and has helped “hundreds if not thousands” of Oklahoma citizens.
“In the history of the program there have been no reported incidents of abuse,” the Republican said in the report. “This non-intoxicating substance has literally changed the lives of many Oklahomans.”
Next year Oklahomans will have the opportunity to legalize a more comprehensive regime via State Question 788, a statewide referendum, which will not be affected by the definition change.
“This makes it clear that if the FDA does approve a cannabidiol drug for use for medical treatment, that it would be legal,” Echols said.
Last month, the Oklahoma Supreme Court threw out a rewrite of the State Question 788 by then-Attorney General Scott Pruitt but did not offer an explanation. Ryan Kiesel, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma said Pruitt’s rewrite was meant to mislead voters.