STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2018) — A bill authored by State Sen. Michael Young (R-Indianapolis) that would legalize the sale and use of cannabidiol (CBD) oil passed the Senate recently by a vote of 35-13.
Senate Bill 52 would allow all Hoosiers to purchase hemp extract, which has been shown to help with various medical conditions such as cancer, epilepsy and severe pain. The oil would be available for purchase over-the-counter from retailers across the state. SB 52 would only legalize CBD oil that contains 0.3 percent or less Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the component of the cannabis plant which causes intoxication. With the low-amount of THC present, CBD oil users would not experience a “high” feeling that conventional marijuana users may encounter.
“So many people have benefitted from using CBD oil to treat a variety of problems like epilepsy, cancer and anxiety,” Young said. “Since we are limiting how much THC can be in the product, there is no risk for people to use this to get high. My hope with this bill is that more Hoosiers will be able to use this product to treat their ailments.”
Young said this bill builds upon a law the legislature passed last year, which legalized the use of CBD oil strictly to individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
-30-
Contact: Matt Werner, Press Secretary
matt.werner@iga.in.gov
317-232-9539
Jacob Lenfestey, Press Secretary Intern
jacob.lenfestey@iga.in.gov
