Politics & Government

Medical Marijuana Bill Inspired by Scotch Plains Toddler Moves Forward

Brian and Meghan Wilson had hoped to try a strain of marijuana as a treatment for their daughter's seizures, but state restrictions have held them back.

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ -- Local residents Brian and Meghan Wilson have made headlines recently for their fight to enroll their 2-year-old daughter Vivian in the state's medical marijuana program. On Thursday, a bill inspired by Vivian's plight passed a State Senate panel, moving the family one step closer to obtaining a prescription for Vivian.

Vivian has Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that causes frequent and violent seizures, according to a report in The Star-Ledger. Her parents had hoped to enroll Vivian so they could try a strain of marijuana that's seen some success in Colorado and California eliminating seizures in children. But the Wilsons were met with obstacles, including satisfying the requirement that a psychiatrist sign off on Vivian's treatment and a state restriction against edible marijuana products.

The Wilsons wrote to local legislators for help with their plight. Last week, State Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D) and State Senator Nicholas Scutari (D), announced the draft of their bill that would make it easier for children to qualify and benefit from the program.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The panel approved the bill Thursday by an 8-3 vote.

The bill (S2842) would require only one referring physician for enrollement in the program, allows dispensaries to sell edible marijuana products, and eliminates a limitation the dispensaries only grow a maximum of three strains of marijuana.

Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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