OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Legislation authorizing medical trials for children with severe forms of epilepsy by using an oil derived from the marijuana plant has been signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin.
The program will allow the medically supervised use of cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating derivative of marijuana. Research indicates it effectively treats children who suffer from epileptic seizures by reducing the number and intensity of seizures.
The bill by Rep. Jon Echols of Oklahoma City and Sen. Brian Crain of Tulsa was signed Thursday and is similar to laws in 13 other states. It's known as "Katie and Cayman's Law" for a young relative of Echols' and a family-friend of Crain's who suffer seizures.
Fallin says she remains opposed to legalizing marijuana for recreational or medicinal purposes.