By Dr. Mark Creech
I want to hear from you. I genuinely want your input about legislation that I anticipate will be introduced in the next session of the North Carolina General Assembly, starting May 14th.
Rep. Pat McElraft (R-Carteret), a legislator for whom I have profound respect, announced during the second week in March that she plans to file a bill to make the use of CBD (cannabidiol) oil lawful for children who suffer from severe bouts of epilepsy related illnesses such as Dravet Syndrome. The oil, a strain of Marijuana called “Charlotte’s Web”, is currently marketed legally in Colorado as Realm Oil. It is high in CBD (around 17%), but low (.05%) in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the marijuana plant’s psychoactive agent.
Watch WRAL News story: Lawmaker Seeks to Legalize Marijuana Oil for NC Children with Severe Epilepsy
Get even better acquainted with all the facts by logging on to the Christian Action League’s story: N.C. Lawmaker Says She’ll Introduce Legislation to Legalize a Marijuana Oil to Help Children with Epilepsy
McElraft says she will title the legislation “Hope for Hayley” after a child in her district. She insists that the proposed measure is not about legalizing medicinal marijuana nor does it include prescriptions for adults. She says, “It’s not going to be about legalizing medicinal marijuana for adults. This is only about CBD oil for the children.” Her aim, she contends, is simply to provide some relief to children who are crippled by severe seizures.
Nevertheless, there are dangers in introducing such legislation – dangers that could result in the measure being hi-jacked at some point by those who have an agenda for both the legalization of medicinal and recreational marijuana. Liberal blog spots across the internet are already calling for McElraft to expand the sympathy she has for ill children to adults who feel they desperately need the use of other forms of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Moreover, CBD oil hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We only have the testimony of numerous parents and some in the medical field who contend the extract has helped many children with the crippling symptoms of their frightful and repetitive seizures. Nevertheless, the drug hasn’t been tested to determine for any long-term negative effects on these children.
My heart goes out, as I know yours does as well, to these children who are suffering so badly. It has been argued by some that they may even die without this help. As you can see, there is a lot of emotion invested in this situation.
While the Christian Action League is further researching this issue, I want to hear from you. I want you to tell us what you think about this matter by responding to the Christian Action League’s office email. Public opinion is not the crux of the way the Christian Action League forms its positions on public-policy initiatives. Still, in this case we want to hear what our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have to say about it. I want to assure you that your comments will be kept completely confidential, unless you were to give permission in writing for them to be used publicly.
Please write me at office@christianactionleague.org. Again, I want to hear from you on this issue. What do you think? Should the state legalize this oil for these children with seizures? What about the possibility it could open the door for the legalization of medicinal marijuana, or perhaps even recreational marijuana? Please keep your comments as concise as possible. And of course, always be courteous.
Please do not call by phone because I am in and out of the office. Instead, address your concerns personally to me at this email: office@christianactionleague.org.
Last, but certainly not least. Please remember that your contributions to the Christian Action League keep this ministry on the front lines for Christ’s sake. Recently, donations have been coming in slow and slim. We need your help right now! Would you click on this link and make a secure online donation of $100 to the Christian Action League? If you can’t give $100, consider giving your best gift, maybe $25, $50, or $75. We really need to hear from you right now!
To send your contribution by the U.S. Postal Service, send your gift to:
Christian Action League of North Carolina, Inc.
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Suite 1000
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27609
Thank you for your commitment to be “salt” and “light” for the sake of the Savior.
Let me encourage you to never be overcome with cynicism. Your engagement in partnership with this ministry in the public arena does make a difference – a big difference!
We trust you also remember to pray for us. We covet your prayers more than anything.