Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has signed legislation legalizing the use of CBD oil for any medical condition so long as the patient is certified by a doctor, the Journal Sentinel reports. Supporters say the law will ease fears of possible arrest for individuals and families with children who use CBD oil treatments.
“Today, we’re making it easier for people in our state to obtain CBD oil without a psychoactive effect to treat a medical condition as advised by their doctor,” the Republican governor said in the report.
The move expands the state’s limited medical cannabis regime, known as Lydia’s Law, enacted in 2014, which allows families and individuals to obtain CBD oil in extremely limited cases. However, the law was so restrictive that few were able to take advantage of the program, which bars in-state medical cannabis production and requires patients to obtain the oil either online or in a neighboring state with a more comprehensive medical cannabis program, such as Michigan.
There are proposals in both houses of the state legislature that would legalize a more complete medical cannabis program in Wisconsin, including in-state production and a system of dispensaries. Both of those bills (AB.75/SB.38) are in their respective health committees but have so far failed to gain the support of Republicans who comprise the majority in the legislature. Walker also does not support broadening the medical cannabis program.