JEFFERSON CITY—Senator Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis, today filed Senate Bill 822, which would expand the number of medical ailments that can be treated with Cannabidiol (CBD) oil in Missouri.
Senate Bill 822 would allow 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, to have access to CBD oil. The oil must be recommended by a neurologist or physician. The Department of Health and Senior Services would be required to establish a public registry of physicians and neurologists who recommend hemp extract for their patient’s use.
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 has also shown that CBD inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells, and 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.
“There are real medical benefits from CBD oil, something scientists have supported for years. Studies have shown it can be incredibly effective in lessening the severity of symptoms for a whole host of chronic conditions,” said Sen. Keaveny. “Legislation has been passed out of this very body, and signed by the governor, allowing those with intractable epilepsy to use CBD extract to help treat their illness. There is no reason to only allow certain patients to benefit from what has been recognized 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 symptoms.”
Senator Keaveny’s legislation would require the department to issue a card to a patient who has a recommendation from a physician or neurologist stating 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.
To learn more about Sen. Keaveny’s sponsored legislation, visit his official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/keaveny.
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