LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska residents suffering from intractable seizures could have one more treatment option under a medical cannabis study headed to Gov. Pete Ricketts' desk.
Senators voted 44-2 on Thursday to commission a University of Nebraska Medical Center study on the effectiveness of cannabidiol, a cannabis extract, in treating severe epileptic seizures.
Nebraska would obtain cannabidiol from an England-based company authorized by the Federal Drug Administration for rare diseases.
Supporters say the study could provide immediate aid to patients who have exhausted other treatment options.
Ricketts' spokesman says the governor supports FDA-approved studies of marijuana for medical purposes. Ricketts has five days to take action on the bill, sponsored by Sen. Sue Crawford of Bellevue.
The bill is LB390.
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