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Sen. Keaveny Sponsors Legislation to Expand Access to Hemp Extract for Patients with Severe, Debilitating Medical Conditions
JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis, today filed Senate Bill 386, which would expand the number of medical ailments that can be treated with Cannabidiol (CBD) in Missouri. Last year, the Legislature passed a bill allowing those with intractable epilepsy to access CBD extract, an extract from hemp. Senator Keaveny’s measure would grant additional patients with serious medical conditions access to the extract.
Under Senate Bill 386, people with cancer, HIV, AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies, Huntington’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, or certain specified symptoms or complications associated with the conditions listed above, would be able to receive a form of hemp extract.
CBD oil has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting, suppress seizure activity, and combat inflammatory disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, tumor and cancer cells, and anxiety and depression disorders. Research from the Pacific Medical Center has also shown that CBD inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, and G.W. Pharmaceuticals has found that CBD can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, nausea, bowl disorders, and diabetes.
Senator Keaveny stressed that unlike THC, the compound in marijuana known for its mind-altering properties, CBD oil does not produce those side effects and is not a psycho-active drug.
“Last year’s passage of the CBD oil bill was a tacit admission by the Legislature that there are real medical benefits to hemp, something scientists have supported for years. But, it doesn’t only help those with intractable epilepsy. Studies have shown it can be incredibly effective in lessening the severity of symptoms for a whole host of chronic conditions,” said Sen. Keaveny. “There is no reason to only allow certain patients to benefit from what has been recognized by the medical community and the General Assembly as a legitimate form of treatment. My legislation would allow citizens suffering from cancer, Parkinson’s, and numerous other tragic diseases to have the option of using a natural substance to reduce crippling symptoms.”
While different cannabis plants contain varying amounts of THC and CBD oil, certain breeding techniques have been used to create high levels of CBD oil with nearly zero traces of the THC compound. This ability allows the treatment to be given to those in need of medical assistance, while prohibiting individuals from using it recreationally. In addition, a 2011 report by Current Drug Safety states that CBD “does not interfere with several psychomotor and psychological functions.”
Last year’s hemp extract bill allows the Department of Health and Senior Services to issue a registration card to a person who provides a statement by a neurologist that the patients suffers from intractable epilepsy and would benefit from treatment with hemp extract.
Senator Keaveny’s legislation would require the department to issue a card to a patient who has a recommendation from a practitioner or neurologist that they would benefit from treatment with hemp extract. The bill also expands the number of licensed cultivation and production facilities in the state from two to 10 as long as they live in Missouri.
To learn more about Sen. Keaveny’s sponsored legislation, visit his official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny.
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