Austin, Texas – The push to expand medical marijuana use in Texas continues.
Last session, lawmakers approved the use of CBD oil, a marijuana extract, to help those with intractable epilepsy. While that was viewed as a step forward among people wanting to use the plant as medicine, some advocates say it’s leaving many patients in Texas out.
AmyLou Fawell, the Executive Director of Mothers Advocating Medical Marijuana for Autism, said she’s run the gamut when it comes to trying to find the best way to treat her son’s autism.
“We’ve done biomedical, we’ve done pharmaceutical a little bit, we’ve been a little nervous about trying the heavy duty drugs which we’re still trying to avoid, said Fawell.
Her son Jack is 17. Fawell said he is somewhat verbal, but non-conversational. She also said he can be aggressive and sometimes harms himself.
“But he’s really a sweet boy and the reason he has these behaviors, I think, deep down, he can’t control it. It’s not him lashing out, it’s the inability to communicate his problems. It’s pain, it’s inflammation, his nervous system is on fire. So those are the things that cause him to lash out, Fawell said.
She wants state lawmakers to expand the Compassionate Use Act. Currently, the law only allows those with intractable epilepsy to use an oil-based low THC extraction of the plant. Fawell wants to see the law include the entire use of the plant.
“Which has nothing to do recreational use. It has to do with allowing us to use the plant in the form that God gave it to us,” she said.
Republican Representative Jason Isaac has been vocal about his openness to expand medical marijuana.
“As legislators, we don’t have all the answers of what’s the best medicine for patients, said Rep. Isaac.
However, getting the support of his fellow conservatives could prove difficult. Some have been weary of expanding medical use as to not open the door to full legalization for recreational use in Texas.
Still, Fawell hopes lawmakers will see the plant as medicine so Jack, and other kids like him will have access to a plant that could enhance their quality of life.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Texas Family Seeks Cannabis As Autism Treatment
Author: LeAnn Wallace
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