By Jennifer Eisenbart
Editor
For Burlington mother Sally Schaeffer, news on the possible legalization of low-THC content cannabadiol oil for seizures could come at the “11th hour.”
Schaeffer said Tuesday evening that she had expected to hear something that day, but is now getting reports that the State Senate may not take the bill legalizing CBD to committee until later in the week.
The CBD oil bill – which has been used with success on children in Colorado to halt seizures – passed through the state assembly last week by an overwhelming margin.
However, with the end of the legislative session rapidly approaching, time is running out for the State Senate bill – SB 685 – to hit the senate floor.
The CBD oil has a very low level of THC – the drug traditionally tied to giving a user a “high” with the drug. Numerous people have spoken to the fact the drug will not produce that “high.”
Schaeffer said that she has a list of state senators that she feels are in support of the bill. She had been feeling positive until she heard early in the week that the bill may still reside in State Senator Leah Vukmir’s Health and Human Services Committee.
“I was feeling pretty positive,” Schaeffer said. “But now, I’m not so sure.
“I’m certainly not feeling at ease if this goes to committee, based off of Vukmir’s (position).”
Myranda Tanck, the communications specialist for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, issued the following statement on Tuesday.
“AB 726 was only introduced about a month ago, and the Senate companion bill – SB 685 – was introduced just last week,” Tanck said. “Both versions of the bill moved on March 19, to the Committee on Health and Human Services, where one or both need to be discussed before a version is scheduled to the senate floor.
“We’re taking a look at this legislation along with the array of other bills that are still hanging out there for the end of this session,” she added.
Schaeffer remains hopeful as more and more parents rally in support of the bill – mainly in hopes of getting the CBD oil for their children.
“Parents around the state are trying to organize it,” she said.
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