Indiana and Virginia facilitate access to medical cannabis

Even very conservative states like Indiana and Virginia are beginning to take an interest in the medicinal properties of cannabis and its derivatives, such as cannabidiol (CBD).

Lawmakers in both states approved two separate bills yesterday to legalize or expand the use of CBD oil this week.

CBD Oil for Indiana

The Indiana Senate approved a bill legalizing the sale and possession of CBD oil by a vote of 35 to 13. The original version of the bill called for THC-free oils, but it was amended to allow up to 0.3% of THC.

«I hope that with this law, more of our fellow citizens will be able to use this product to treat their condition.» said Senator Mike Young, who introduced this bill. «Since we’re limiting the amount of THC in the product, there’s no risk that people will use it for its psychoactive effects.».

Last week, the Indiana Legislature passed a bill to legalize the production and use of CBD. A second bill was passed to allow the cultivation of industrial hemp, which will be used to produce CBD oil as well as for its fibers. CBD will be classified in the state as a hemp-derived product, not a cannabis-derived product.

The Indiana bill must now be signed by the governor before it takes effect. CBD oil has been legal in Indiana since 2014, but the governor had maintained a ban on the product’s sale, conducting several raids on stores that sold it. Those stores will be cleared of all charges if the new law is signed.

THC and CBD Oils for Virginia

As for Virginia, it has approved a bill aimed at expanding access to medical cannabis in the state. The Senate voted unanimously to allow the purchase of a 90-day supply of CBD or THC oil. The previous limit was 30 days.

Here, too, the governor must sign the bill into law before it takes effect, which should not pose any problems. During his campaign, he had stated that he was in favor of decriminalization in the state. However, no steps have been taken in that direction since the start of his term. A bill that would have reduced the penalty for possession of small amounts of cannabis was even nipped in the bud in January.