The Kansas House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to pass a bill that would allow people with certain medical conditions to use CBD oil that contains THC.
In 2018, former Governor Jeff Colyer signed SB282, which changed the state’s definition of marijuana to exclude CBD, but THC is still illegal in Kansas.
Because THC is often present in CBD oil, options for patients can be limited, but a new bill may provide a solution.
HB2244, which was introduced in February, passed the House on Wednesday with an 89-35 vote. The bill would provide an affirmative defense against prosecution for patients with debilitating conditions as well as for parents and guardians of children who use cannabis oil containing up to 5% THC.
The bill is named Claire and Lola’s Law after Claire Hartley who passed away at the age of 17 in December, and her 12-year-old sister, Lola. Both girls were born with a neuro-metabolic disorder known as Asparagine Synthetase Deficiency (ASD) which causes severe neurological problems in individuals shortly after birth.
As the condition progresses, individuals with ASD have worsening muscle issues, and many experience various types of epileptic seizures. In some, the condition causes cortical blindness.
Most individuals with ASD do not survive past childhood.
HB2244 now moves to the Senate, though it is currently unclear when they may consider it.
