While the most contentious issue in the United States right now concerns the fight over immigration reform, there are still many controversial issues facing the country that are farther back in the proverbial queue.
One of those is the debate over marijuana, and whether or not it should be legalized, and if so, to what degree. Several states have already made it legal to use and sell, while others have loosened laws around the plant’s medicinal uses. However, actions taken in Texas this week are sure to put the spotlight back on pot as they involve the drug and a young child.
As reported at the New York Post, reports are coming out that a 6-year-old Texas girl will be the first person in the state to legally obtain a cannabis product. The reason she will begin using the drug is to treat her severe epilepsy.
Rightfully so, the child’s name has been redacted for privacy, but she apparently received a package of low-THC, high-CBD oil from a dispensary called Know Medical, a pharmacy located in the town of Shulenberg.
Like with any prescription drug and first time user, a nurse was there to show the youngster how to properly use it.
“Patients deserve medical relief and Knox Medical is proud to work with physicians and caregivers, and in close coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety, to provide this medicine that exceeds the most rigorous standards for quality and consistency,” explained José Hidalgo, founder, and CEO of Knox Medical.
“This is a historic day for Texas and we will work tirelessly to uphold the trust and responsibility the state has placed in [our company],” he said in a press release. “For Texans suffering from intractable epilepsy, the wait for medical cannabis is finally over.”
Knox, which is based out of Florida, is one of three companies legally allowed to dispense cannabidiol in the Lone Star state, according to the Texas Tribune.
In June 2015, Texas legalized the use of medical marijuana. But thanks to all the red tape, the industry is just getting up and running. Also, per the strict regulations, dispensaries are only allowed to sell extracts and oils with no more than 0.5 percent tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Most strains of marijuana, when in plant form, contain 9 percent to 30 percent THC.
While it’s still just barely legal for medical purposes, it’s a nice small step for the state towards loosening regulations, especially as it pertains to health.
“In spite of the program’s unreasonably restrictive nature, we’re really happy to see the (cannabidiol) is getting into the hands of at least one patient who needs it,” said Heather Fazio, political director for the Marijuana Policy Project.
Lots of folks hate the idea of pot being legal, and it’s understandable. However, the reality is that its use legitimately helps people that are sick with various illnesses. Considering how many far, far more dangerous prescription medications are legal, and quite possibly having been consumed by detractors, allowing the sale of cannabis is hardly a big deal in comparison.
Source: New York Post