Connecticut Lawmakers Pushing To Give Minors Access To Medical Marijuana
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork)-- Should chronic and terminally ill young people, 18 and under, be allowed medical use of marijuana? The question is under debate among state lawmakers in Connecticut.
There appears to be growing sentiment for expanding the use of medical marijuana to young people in the state, WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau reported. Many top state officials support the idea.
However, not all lawmakers are on board. State Senator Tony Boucher of Wilton said it's one thing to administer the drug to a child who is terminally ill, but there are concerns depending on the circumstances.
"But if there's a chronic illness in that there's prospects for that child to be living for some time, I think this path is much too risky," Boucher said. "There's still so much research that needs to be done on the effects of THC, which is the component in marijuana that really affects brain development."
Earlier this year, the testimony of parents with ailing children testified in favor of the bill at the Capitol. Their heart-wrenching stories brought tears to many reporters in attendance.
Many states have already legalized the use of marijuana for ailing children.
