Alabama Legislature Passes Medical Marijuana Oil Bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama legislature on Wednesday voted to decriminalize medicinal marijuana oil possession.

In a 95-4 vote in the House of Representatives and a 29-3 vote in the Senate, legislators supported a bill supporters say is a bid to help families struggling with debilitating medical conditions.

Though derived from cannabis, cannabidiol doesn't cause a high like marijuana due to reduced amounts of the psychoactive property tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Proponents say it can help alleviate severe seizures, among other conditions.

"This is an opportunity to give some sunlight to families," said Sen. Paul Sanford, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. "They don't want to feel like criminals, but they know they need to try something like this."

Kari Forsyth's daughter Chesney was born with cerebral palsy. Now 11, Chesney is wheelchair bound, has had brain surgery in an attempt to control daily seizures and was given a limited prognosis three years ago.

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