The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill that would allow doctors to prescribe, and patients to use, cannabis-based oil for medical purposes.
The non-intoxicating cannabidiol has been used in other states to treat severe seizures in children, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder.
The bill is sponsored by Republican Sen. Julie Denton of Louisville who says that the oil would be studied by Kentucky research universities. Doctors would be able to send patients to those universities to acquire the oil.
"It's going to really help people's lives... I'm just so pleased that we allowed enough time and discussion on this, formally and informally, for people to get comfortable and to really understand the benefits of this," Denton told reporters.
The bill drew no vocal opposition in the Senate chamber.
The measure cleared the state Senate on Wednesday with a unanimous vote. The bill moves now to the Kentucky House for consideration.
