It has been an eventful week for marijuana updates. We already learned of another new study that highlights the ability of cannabis to fight cancer cells. There have also been updates on child patients in need of medical marijuana.
In Arizona, there are no age restrictions in qualifying for legal medical marijuana use. However, there are strict rules in regards to the definition of cannabis. Under Arizona law, any mixture made with dried marijuana flowers is acceptable. Jacob and Jennifer Welton’s son is in need of medical cannabis. The boy’s parents crush marijuana into applesauce for him to ingest. Unfortunately, after brain surgery last year, his ability to eat has been greatly reduced. As a result, the Welton’s are seeking marijuana extract, which can be administered far easier, sometimes in droplet form. However, extracts are illegal and Maricopa County attorney, Bill Montgomery has previously said patients can be criminally prosecuted for using extracts because they do not meet the strict definition of “cannabis” in Arizona. The Welton’s do not want to turn to the black market in order to obtain relief for their son. “We’re not criminals,” Ms. Welton recently said. “We just want what’s best for our son.” They are trying to bring awareness to their situation in order to change the strict definition of marijuana in Arizona.
The Welton’s may find inspiration from the Wilson family in New Jersey. After a long and public battle, which included a plea from Brian Wilson to Governor Christie at a diner to make sure his daughter did not die, New Jersey lawmakers removed most of the barriers preventing children from accessing medical marijuana. The Wilson’s daughter, Vivian, suffers from a rare and debilitating form of epilepsy called dravet syndrome. Her seizures are intense and most traditional medicines have yielded little to no results. Limits on the strains permitted for sale were removed, and now the Wilson’s can purchase strains that are effective against epilepsy. However, edibles are still not available at dispensaries, so Vivian’s parents have to prepare the cannabis and infuse it into food. This week the Wilson’s were finally able to legally purchase the medical marijuana they need from Compassionate Care Foundation.
The idea of children medicating was and still is taboo in many circles. However, the idea of watching children suffer when treatment options are available is now the growing taboo. Epilepsy can devastate a child’s quality of life, and it is important to provide children with every chance to live a healthy and normal life.
