Illinois allows medical cannabis in schools

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has just signed the proposal HB 4870, giving it the status of law. The new law stipulates that the administration of cannabis-based medicines will be authorized on school premises under certain conditions. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, voted in 2016, did not allow sick children to receive treatment at school in accordance with the School Code which prohibits cannabis on school premises.

The content of the law

From now on, on presentation of a card certifying registration in the medical cannabis In accordance with the state's regulations, and therefore with his or her status as a patient, a sick pupil will have access to his or her medication on school premises. It will be administered by the child's legal guardian, who must also possess a card designating him or her as the designated care provider.

Children are not allowed to take cannabis under any circumstances. what shape, The spirit of the law is that medication should not disrupt the school environment, and above all that other children should not have access to it. As a result, all forms of smokable or inhalable cannabis are banned, in favor of oils, patches or tinctures. In short, the law authorizes «infused cannabis products with medical value».

The facility's medical staff are not required to be involved in the administration of the drug, especially as, without the necessary card, this practice does not fall within the scope of the law, and after administration the product must not remain on the facility's premises. An establishment is entitled to refuse the administration of medication on its premises only if it is likely to be deprived of a federal funding.

An expected change

The law is the brainchild of Chicago Republican Congresswoman Kelly Cassidy, who set out to reform the School Code. Cassidy named the law after a 12-year-old girl named Ashley, who had epilepsy and was under the care of a nurse. medical cannabis treatment, whose parents had launched a legal battle to authorize his medication at school.

Indeed, for children prone to seizures or severe illnesses, the School Code forced the choice between school and health. This reform of the School Code harmonizes medical cannabis legislation to enable these children to lead a normal life.

The bill was passed by the Senate in May by a large majority of 50 votes to 2, which the bill's sponsors say proves that legislators now have a better understanding of what cannabis is and its status as a medicine.