• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Legislature / Parents plea for lawmakers to fix ‘Lydia’s Law’

Parents plea for lawmakers to fix ‘Lydia’s Law’

January 31, 2017 By Andrew Beckett

Wisconsin state Capitol

Wisconsin lawmakers are being urged to once again take action to help bring potential relief to those suffering from epilepsy and other conditions that cause seizures.

A public hearing Tuesday on a bill that would help open up access to CBD oil drew often emotional testimony from parents whose children may benefit from the drug. CBD oil, also known as cannibidiol, is a marijuana extract that can be used to treat seizures.

Lawmakers passed Lydia’s Law in 2014, which made it legal to use the medication. However, the change did not clear roadblocks that have kept patients from being able to legally obtain it, which has made it nearly impossible for families to still access the treatment. The latest legislation would make it legal to possess without a prescription, addressing issues at the state level that have restricted access. Changes in how CBD oil is regulated at the federal level are still pending.

Sally Schaeffer is the mother of Lydia, who inspired the original law and died shortly after it passed in 2014 at the age of seven. Through sometimes tearful testimony, she told lawmakers that Wisconsin needs to fix the mistakes made three years ago. “Give people what you promised to them three years ago,” she said.

Critics have argued the bill could open the door to legalizing medical marijuana in the state. However, state Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), a co-sponsor of the proposal, insisted the legislation does nothing to change to change marijuana regulations. He said the bill only allows people to possess CBD oil, and only if a doctor has certified that it’s being used to treat a medical condition.

A similar bill came close to passage last spring, but a final vote was blocked after some Senate Republicans raised concerns. Wanggaard said earlier this year that he believes the version up for consideration now has addressed those issues, and will help bring relief to the families who are seeking help obtaining CBD oil.

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Legislature, News, Politics / Govt



Featured Stories

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

Tommy Thompson announces he will not run for governor

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC

 

Loading Comments...