State marijuana oil research bill becomes law June 1

Legislation that would fund a University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Neurology study on the effectiveness of using cannabidiol (CBD) oil — a marijuana derivative — to treat severe seizures becomes law effective June 1. Gov. Robert Bentley signed the bill April 1.

Known as “Carly’s Law” and named after a 3-year-old Birmingham girl who experiences uncontrollable seizures caused by a genetic disorder, the bill (Senate Bill 174) passed the Legislature unanimously March 20. It was sponsored by Sen. Paul Sanford, R-Huntsville.

Sanford previously had noted in news reports that the biggest challenge for the legislation was the marijuana connection.

But Bentley said, “As a doctor, I have always been supportive of medical research to discover new medicines that may be able to cure or treat some of our most chronic diseases. I hope this Alabama-led medical study can bring relief to children, like Carly Chandler.”

The new law will fund $1 million for the study, but UAB can’t proceed until it receives approval from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

(TAB)