Health
Brennan Linsley / AP
In a historic development for the medical marijuana movement, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Monday that will allow some patients to use a strain of low-potency marijuana for epilepsy and cancer.
In April, Scott had said he would sign the “Charlotte’s Web” bill,” after the Senate approved it by a 36-3 vote. It passed with strong support in the Florida legislature after lawmakers heard stories of children suffering from seizures who could be helped by the marijuana strain known as Charlotte's Web.
“As a father and grandfather, you never want to see kids suffer,” Scott said in a statement. “The approval of Charlotte’s Web will ensure that children in Florida who suffer from seizures and other debilitating illnesses will have the medication needed to improve their quality of life. I am proud to stand today with families who deserve the ability to provide their children with the best treatment available.”
Charlotte’s Web contains 0.5 percent THC, marijuana’s major psychoactive ingredient. The average content usually found on the market is around 13 percent.
Florida voters in November will consider a more sweeping medical marijuana measure, in the form of constitutional amendment. Amendment 2, which Scott opposes, would legalize all forms of medicinal cannabis in Florida.
With Scott’s signature, Florida becomes the 23rd U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana. Washington D.C. also has legalized the drug for medicinal use.
Al Jazeera and wire services
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