Dold, Perry, 18 Members of Congress Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Children Suffering from Epilepsy

Press Release

More than 300,000 children in the United States currently suffer from epilepsy. Many of these children experience more than 100 violent seizures per day-- any one of which could be fatal without proper care. Tomorrow (March 26) is Purple Day, when people around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. In commemoration of Purple Day, U.S. Congressman Robert Dold (IL-10), U.S. Congressman Scott Perry (PA-4) and 16 other Members of Congress today introduced the "Charlotte's Web Medical Access Act of 2015" to ensure that children with epilepsy and other debilitating seizure disorders have access to life-changing Cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

Evidence shows that CBD oil has reduced the amount and duration of seizures in individuals suffering from epilepsy and other seizure disorders; however, CBD is currently banned for medical use at the federal level.

"CBD oil has the potential to relieve the pain of suffering families and save thousands of lives." Rep. Dold said. "No family should be forced to suffer the loss of a child when life-saving relief has already been found. This bill will ensure that not even one more kid suffers because the government is blocking access to this life-changing seizure prevention."

"I've been approached by many local families whose children suffer from severe epilepsy," Rep. Perry said. "Through these accounts, I've learned that many people are considering geographically breaking up their families to move to states that allow CBD treatment. The federal government shouldn't break up families who are just trying to help their children. CBD oil offers great hope for relief; were I in a similar situation, I'd want the same for my children. Their situations compelled me to act at the federal level -- these kids and people like them deserve a chance at a healthy and productive life and our government shouldn't stand in the way."

Thousands of families dealing with epilepsy and other debilitating seizure disorders have been forced into medical refugee status as they uproot their families to travel to states where hemp oil therapies are legalized. CBD oil is currently banned for medical use at the federal level. This legislation seeks to exclude CBD oil and therapeutic hemp from the Banned Substances Act. In addition, the legislation would legalize industrial hemp to allow for the extraction of the oil and give medical professionals the authority to prescribe CBD oil to those who would benefit.

"As a parent of a child with epilepsy, I know how difficult it can be to stand by as your child has a seizure that you are helpless to stop," President and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation Philip M. Gattone, M.Ed. said. "The Epilepsy Foundation has supported access to CBD oil -- which is showing positive results for some patients. Access to a potential lifesaving treatment should not be determined or limited by zip code. It is time for Congress to enact this sensible bill."

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