American school authorizes medical cannabis

It didn't take long for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to decide to sign a bill authorizing the use of medical cannabis for a school in the southern part of the state, and finalize a law that would allow students to use medical cannabis on school grounds.

The Larc School in New Jersey, which specializes in students with mild to very severe disabilities, initiated the request in mid-November 2015. Since January, it has authorized the administration of cannabis in food or liquid form for medical purposes, a first in the United States.

For the school to communicate openly and publicly about this decision is a great step forward. It also shows that some school leaders are moving forward for the good of children. Susan Weiner, executive director of the school says they «see the difference» medical cannabis makes to children, and that all children in the state deserve to have this right.

«I'm delighted that we've been able to reach this milestone. We're trying to help children. I know there are a lot of children in this state and across the country who could benefit from this,» says Susan, «It's extremely important that in schools, children come first, and Larc School's decision is a great example of that.».

Until now, the consumption of cannabis in any form or for any reason violated the laws that make schools a «drug-free» place. However, the latest bill passed allows medical cannabis to be consumed without being smoked on school grounds, on buses or at a school event.

This decision follows a court ruling involving the Barbour family. Roger and Lora Barbour were asking the school district to allow their daughter Genny to take cannabis oil during her lunch break to treat her epilepsy.

The Larc School Board got together to think about what might otherwise be against the law, and asked the governor to create a policy that would allow the consumption of medical cannabis on school premises. So Genny Barbour can, once a day, take her cannabis oil to treat her illness.

The law has also passed in Colorado, but no school has yet taken the plunge.

The Barbour's are now fighting for someone from the school to be able to administer cannabis to their daughter, like all other treatments. Currently, only a family member or nurse (under the supervision of a family member) is allowed to administer cannabis.