January 19, WMS Medigram

For the third time in as many state legislative sessions, a bill has been introduced related to cannabidiol (CBD) oil—one of the main active chemical compounds founds in marijuana. The proposal—being circulated for legislative sponsors before it is officially introduced—is designed to prevent state or local prosecution for possession of CBD oil if a physician certifies that a patient has a certain malady. The bill’s main sponsors are State Senators Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), Bob Wirch (D-Kenosha) and State Assembly Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa).

Previous legislation allowed CBD oil to be dispensed by a State of Wisconsin Controlled Substances Board-approved pharmacy or physician if the product was to be used as part of an FDA-approved clinical trial. That requirement has been circumvented for the most part due to the lack of clinical trials on the Schedule I substance. Under the bill, a person will be allowed to possess CBD oil if a physician has certified within the past year that the CBD oil is for treating a seizure disorder.

The law would require that the physician certification—in the form of a letter or other document – include:

·         Name, address and telephone number of the physician.

·         Name and address of the patient who is issued the certification.

·         The date the certification is issued.

Public hearings on the proposals could come as early as this month, with committee votes and possible full State Assembly and State Senate action thereafter.