Strict Cannabis Oil Bill May Not Make it Past Idaho Governor’s Desk

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho parents of epileptic children appear to be slowly swaying the Idaho Legislature to allow the use of cannabis oil to treat seizure disorders.

The Senate State Affairs committee voted 5-4 on Friday to advance legislation that would provide a defense for people who are arrested for using the marijuana extract. The bill is considered one of the strictest in the nation compared with other states that also permit the oil to help reduce the severity and number of seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy.

However, the measure is facing opposition from the governor's office. President Pro Tem Brent Hill, who voted against the bill, says the governor's Office of Drug Policy has drafted an alternative proposal. However, Chairman Curt McKenzie of Nampa says that bill will not be introduced this year.