While marijuana decriminalization efforts have reached a standstill in Virginia, the medical use of cannabis oil has just been given the “green” light.
Monday, February 5, proved to be a landmark day for the pro-marijuana movement as the Virginia Senate voted 40-0 in favor of a health care bill that will further expand the legal use of cannabidiol oil for “the treatment of any diagnosed condition or disease.” Health Care Bill SB726 will soon land on the desk of newly elected Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, who, as an open supporter of the legalization of medical marijuana and the decriminalization of the drug's recreational use, is expected to sign it. [caption id="attachment_6082" align="aligncenter" width="278"]
Courtesy of grasslogic.com[/caption]
Under the law, once effective, doctors will be permitted to “issue a written certification for the use of cannabidiol oil (also known as THC-A oil) for the treatment or to alleviate the symptoms” of a condition which the physician believes would be beneficial for diagnosed patients to use.
Until now, the State of Virginia has only allowed doctors to prescribe the oil to patients who are diagnosed with intractable epilepsy. The amended law recommended by the Joint Commission on Health Care will now apply to virtually every diagnosed condition, from migraines and back pain all the way up to patients who have a greater need for alleviating extreme symptoms caused by debilitating diseases such as the various types of cancer and HIV.
There are no known negative side effects and health risks associated with cannabidiol and THC-A oil use by patients.
