Parents Coalition Endorses the Charlotte's Web Medical Hemp Act (HR 5226)

The Parents Coalition for Rescheduling Medical Cannabis endorses the Charlotte's Web Medical Hemp Act (H.R. 5226) of 2014, which removes therapeutic hemp from the Controlled Substances Act.

This legislation resolves legal ambiguity, allowing the production of therapeutic hemp in the United States. This would increase supply, improving access and affordability.

While the Parents Coalition recommends all cannabis be rescheduled for medicinal purpose, H.R. 5226 would allow immediate access to therapeutic hemp for many with serious health conditions.

Where state laws permit, this bill would allow patients to cross state lines with their treatment, enabling families who moved across country for CBD oil to return home without risking prosecution.

Since the Parents Coalition represents families from across the country that helped pass legislation in home states, and some still trying, we understand laws change slowly and that progress is a gradual process. Though limited, this legislation is an important first step for improving access and quality of life. Our work continues until all cannabis strains are removed from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act, so medical research flourishes in the United States and patients have compassionate access.

About the Parents Coalition for Rescheduling Medical Cannabis

We are parents of children with epilepsy, autism, and other serious conditions potentially treatable by therapeutic hemp and medical cannabis. Many of us helped legalize strains in home states only to have our children's access stymied by federal restrictions. In 2014 we joined forces nationally, urging the federal government to remove hemp and cannabis from its list of banned Schedule 1 substances. Rescheduling or other reclassification of these plants would foster patient access and hasten medical research.

 

Help From Parents on How to Change Medical Cannabis Laws in Your State

On Wednesday, August 13, 2014 from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m eastern time Shannon Moore of Maryland will host a Google Hangout training session for those planning to change medical cannabis laws in their states. Parents who have helped pass legislation will discuss what worked and what they wish they had done differently. Featured are Gail Rand of Maryland, Annette Maughan and Jennifer May of Utah, Stephen Carlin of North Carolina, Maria La France of Iowa and Gena Dalton of Alabama. To listen in connect though Google or You Tube. Also, visit the Facebook event page here. 

Medical Cannabis Parent Advocates Participate in Rare Disease In-District Lobbying Days

Rare Disease Legislative Advocates is hosting In-District Legislative Lobby Days from August 4th - September 5th 2014. The organization raises awareness about the unique needs of those living with rare disorders and seeks legislation on their behalf.


Many children of parents advocating for medical cannabis suffer from rare diseases such as Lennox Gestaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome, and other debilitating conditions. Those parents are participating in RDLA's Rare Disease In-District Lobby Days to raise awareness about these rare disorders and to inform legislators that some of these conditions are treatable by medical cannabis.


Shelley Gillen of Nebraska, whose son has Lennox Gestaut Syndrome, is a lead organizer with the Parents Coalition for Rescheduling Medical Cannabis. "As a result of registering with RDLA I almost immediately had appointments with my state's two senators and my district congress person.", said Gillen. "Also, RDLA was very accommodating about working around my schedule so I don't have to miss work. I tried in the past to set up appointments with my senators and legislator, but was discouraged and unsuccessful due to what seemed like inflexible scheduling on their part."


To participate in Rare Disease Legislative Advocates In-District Lobby Days visit their Facebook event page or the website. For tips on how to prepare for your meeting visit the RDLA's resources page.