Dive Brief:
- Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has signed a law allowing use of a non-psychoactive marijuana derivative in a clinical trial involving children with epilepsy.
- Despite this move, Fallin, a Republican, is opposed to legalization of marijuana for medical or recreational use.
- The study is designed to test the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in children who suffer from epileptic seizures.
Dive Insight:
CBD advocates cite a large body of evidence showing this compound's therapeutic potential in treating everything from autoimmune diseases, to depression, to inflammatory conditions. In fact, according to Cannabis Therapy Corp., the estimated market size for cannabis will be $8.9 billion by 2016.
The reality is that even those who are opposed to marijuana legalization, such as Fallin and many others like her, see the therapeutic value of CBD and recognize that it does not have psychoactive properties.
Nonetheless, this study will be overseen by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and Oklahoma University Medical Center.