State panel to vote on medical marijuana for autism

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan would become the first state to allow medical marijuana for children with severe autism if a senior official follows the recommendation made Friday by an advisory panel.

The state’s Medical Marijuana Review Panel voted 4-2 to recommend autism as a condition that qualifies for the drug.

Supporters say oil extracted from marijuana and swallowed has been effective in controlling extreme physical behavior by kids with severe autism. Pot wouldn’t be smoked.

The panel was influenced by comments received earlier from some Detroit-area doctors, especially the head of pediatric neurology at Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and parents desperate for relief. Many of the three dozen spectators cheered and applauded after the vote.

The recommendation now goes to Mike Zimmer, the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, who has until late October to make a final decision.

A 3½-year-old boy, Brunello Zahringer, ran around...

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http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/jul/31/state-panel-to-vote-on-medical-marijuana-for-autis/