Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jan 2018
Source: Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
Copyright: 2018 The Daily Herald Company
Contact:  http://www.dailyherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/107

AG: GIRL CAN USE MEDICAL MARIJUANA AT SCHOOL

CHICAGO -- The Latest on lawsuit to allow 11-year-old to receive
marijuana treatment while at school.

The Illinois attorney general's office has told a federal court it
will allow a suburban Chicago school district to administer medical
marijuana to an 11-year-old leukemia patient to treat her for seizure
disorders.

The commitment made to Judge John Blakey on Friday came two days after
the student's parents sued Schaumburg-based District 54 and the state
for the girl's right to take medical marijuana at school. Illinois'
medical cannabis law prohibits possessing or using marijuana on school
grounds or buses.

The parents said the policy violates the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

School district officials said they will administer cannabis to the
sixth grader until they get further clarification from the attorney
general. An assistant attorney general told Blakey his office would
allow the school to administer the drug until the office can figure
out how to address the state law.

After Friday's hearing, the girl's parents said they were relieved and
excited by the outcome.

Another hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19.

The parents of a suburban Chicago elementary school student suffering
from leukemia are suing a Schaumburg-based school district and the
state of Illinois for her to have the right to take medical marijuana
at school.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the plaintiffs of the federal
lawsuit, who are identified by initials, contend the state's ban on
taking the drug at school is unconstitutional. They say it denies the
right to due process and violates the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The 11-year-old student is being treated for leukemia with
chemotherapy. The lawsuit says that as a result, the girl suffers
seizure disorders and epilepsy.

The lawsuit notes her physicians have certified her to receive medical
marijuana to treat the epilepsy.

Illinois' medical cannabis law prohibits possessing or using marijuana
on school grounds or buses. Superintendent Andy DuRoss says School
District 54 will abide by the law.
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MAP posted-by: Matt