A bill allowing medical use of marijuana/cannabis to cure autism spectrum disorders has been passed by the Colorado House of Representatives.
The bill held a powerful bipartisan support which helped it pass with 63-0 votes on Thursday. It is expected that the bill will sail through the Senate as well while Governor of Colorado, Jared Schutz Polis has made a pledge to sign the legislation as and when it arrives on his desk.
Asperger syndrome and autism are some of the common autism spectrum disorders, having mild to severe ranged symptoms. The present law permits medical use of cannabis for glaucoma, cancer, HIV, severe pain, seizures and PTSD.
The legislation (House Bill 1028) streamlines methods for minors as well to be included to the medical cannabis registry of Colorado. The legislation also motivates the conduction of state research on medical conditions like dementia, ovarian cancer.
Former Governor, John Hickenlooper had turned down a similar bill in the previous year citing that further research on benefits of cannabis for people with autism spectrum disorder was required.
Notably, the lawmakers are also concentrating on a bill this year which would let doctors prescribe medical cannabis to patients suffering from acute pain rather than opioids.