Moseley seeks to legalize cannabis oil for epilepsy treatments

INDIANAPOLIS – Representative Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) is seeking to make cannabis oil—also known as CBD—legal in Indiana for a person diagnosed with epilepsy.

House Bill 1148 mirrors legislation adopted in Texas that allows using CBD for the treatment of epilepsy, also known as Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

This legislation will require the State Board of Health to oversee the regulation and distribution of the CBD. The cannabis oil must also be approved by the state’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA).

To receive the treatment, a patient would need to show a written diagnosis from a physician stating that the person has epilepsy.

“Cannabis oil contains barely measurable amounts of THC, so it is not intended to make you high or produce any undesired side effects,” Moseley said. “Evidence continues to overwhelmingly prove its ability to help a child with epilepsy get amazingly better.”

So far, cannabis oil has been proven to help treat other illnesses, such as certain types of cancer, ulcers, insomnia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“While cannabis oil cannot cure epilepsy or any other illnesses,” Moseley said, it can be used as an alternative medical solution to help alleviate the symptoms.

“Just imagine that your child is suffering in agony with hundreds of seizures a month, and suddenly you as their parent have an opportunity to change their lives for the better forever with virtually no side effects,” said Moseley. “I believe we should be providing that help.”

So far 16 states have legalized CBD, and many more are fighting to have bills passed, including Indiana.

Moseley has joined Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) on a second measure involving cannabis oil. He hopes both bills will receive a hearing this session.

“It will be interesting to see whether or not Indiana has the courage to step into the light on this critical issue or will allow needless suffering to continue,” said Moseley.