Pubdate: Sat, 22 Feb 2014
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA)
Copyright: 2014 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC.
Contact:  http://www.timesdispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365
Author: Mark Bowes

VA. EPILEPSY GROUP BACKS MARIJUANA RESEARCH

The Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia has joined its national 
counterpart in supporting improved access and research into medical 
marijuana to treat epilepsy.

In a statement released Friday, the leading advocacy group for people 
with epilepsy in Virginia said it backs the national Epilepsy 
Foundation in calling for an end to U.S. Drug Enforcement 
Administration restrictions that limit clinical trials and research 
into medical marijuana for epilepsy.

Specifically, the Virginia group said it will:

* ask the DEA to implement a lesser drug schedule for marijuana so it 
can be more easily accessible for medical research;

* support appropriate changes to state laws to increase access to 
medical marijuana as a treatment option for epilepsy, including 
pediatric use as supported by a treating physician;

* support the inclusion of epilepsy as a condition that uses medical 
marijuana as a treatment option where it is available; and

* support research on multiple forms of cannabis and seizures.

"We are not going to let more children and adults be denied access to 
a potentially lifesaving treatment for epilepsy," the group said.

For details, visit www. epilepsyfoundation.org.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom