JEFFERSON CITY—The governor today (7-14) signed legislation into law carried in the Missouri Senate by Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, to provide access to new treatments for those who suffer from intractable epilepsy. The measure, House Bill 2238, was unanimously approved by the Senate and garnered broad support by in the House of Representatives.
The bill allows individuals with epilepsy who have tried at least three other treatments that have not worked to access CBD oil that would be used to reduce seizures. A nonprofit organization would grow the hemp crop and process it into an oil extract that would then be administered to individuals orally. The treatment has been shown to result in a drastic reduction in the number of seizures experienced by individuals with epilepsy.
“This legislation offers new hope for thousands of children living with epilepsy and their families. As a parent of a child living with epilepsy, I understand all too well the challenges that these families face every day, said Sen. Schmitt. “CBD oil has shown to have positive results in reducing the number of seizures. It has the potential to improve the lives of countless children and families in our state. I want to thank Rep. Caleb Jones and my colleagues for their unwavering support in getting this legislation approved, and offer my gratitude to the governor for recognizing its importance and his continued support of individuals with disabilities.”
Matt and Genny Jessee, parents with a young daughter who suffers from intractable epilepsy, heavily advocated for the bill during the 2014 session and played a key part in seeing the legislation become law.
"Thank you to Rep. Caleb Jones, Sen. Eric Schmitt, and Gov. Nixon for enacting into law House Bill 2238. We have seen great results using cannabis oil to treat our daughter June's seizures in Colorado. We hope that we will soon be able to return to Missouri to access cannabis oil there because of this important change in Missouri statute,” said Matt and Jenny Jesse in a joint statement. “We also hope others like us with children suffering from epilepsy will get help because of this new law. Sen. Schmitt's leadership on the issue, leading the way for a unanimous Senate vote was paramount to the bill's passage. His effort will provide hope to thousands of Missouri children living with epilepsy and their families."
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture will have oversight functions to ensure the growth, processing and access to the hemp oil extract will be both efficient and lawful. The Department of Health will set up a rigorous application process, whereby individuals must have a doctor’s recommendation for the treatment, and the department must then issue a hemp oil registration card for the individual or parent to access the extract.
The Department of Agriculture will set up requirements ensuring the nonprofit organization growing the crop will implement rigorous security measures and subject themselves to inspections by law enforcement.
“This is a remarkable day for the families in our state dealing with the heartbreaking effects of intractable epilepsy,” said Sen. Schmitt. “I entered political office to improve the lives of Missourians in our state, especially our most vulnerable citizens. This legislation will do just that. We should be proud as a state for embracing new medical treatments that offer relief to those suffering from debilitating medical conditions.”
For more information on Sen. Schmitt’s sponsored legislation, visit his official Missouri website at www.senate.mo.gov/schmitt. |
