Alabama Advocates Continue to Fight for Medical Marijuana

Leni’s Law, named after a 4 year old whose family moved to Oregon for access to medical marijuana, is in the hands of the state Senate. The bill passed the House, and families and advocates are pushing for its approval. Supporters are hoping for the decriminalization of CBD products, which do not give patients any psychoactive effects.

Carrie Akins, one of the bill’s main supporters and mom of a child that could benefit from CBD oil, said, “We have failed every drug treatment, she has an implant in her chest that helps stop seizures, we think this will work. I’ve seen what CBD has done for so many people. I fear for prosecution in the state of Alabama. If I’m in possession of it, they’re going to throw me in jail. Who’s going to take care of my child?”

One issue may lead to a delay in the passage of Leni’s Law, as Local 15 reported. The House voted to amend the bill to allow a THC level of 1 percent or less, not the original 3 percent or less. Many argue that 1 percent THC or less is not going to do enough to remedy their children’s symptoms. Supporters want the bill amended again, but by the Senate.

Akins said, “It has shown that CBD, at that level, isn’t enough for a lot of kids.”