Although the use of cannabis-derived drugs has seen an uptick in usage over the past two years, children in need of the medication have faced their fair share of roadblocks. One particular concern has been the ability (or inability) of some students prescribed with cannabis-based medications to bring their treatments into school. However, with a new case in California, the tide may have somewhat shifted: an epileptic 5-year-old may now bring cannabis-based medicine to school.
Another Win for Cannabis: Epileptic 5-Year-Old May Now Bring Cannabis-Based Medicine to School
Brooke Adams, a five-year-old girl attending kindergarten at Village Elementary School in the Santa Rosa area, received good news on Friday: her school will now allow the young medical cannabis patient bring her seizure medication to school without question.
The Rincon Valley Union School District had previously disallowed Adams to bring her cannabis ointments to school because it contained THC—the psychoactive component in cannabis. Under both state and federal law, bringing any form of marijuana on school grounds is strictly forbidden.
However, state administrative law Judge Charles Marson made an exception for the girl, because of the volatile nature of the seizures she sustains.
According to her mother, Jana Adams, Brooke’s seizures are often random, increasing the need for an emergency stash of medication.
As we reported last month, Adams had a temporary order from Judge Marson to receive treatment from an on-site nurse. Her mother said she had three seizures since August, but didn’t have to leave school once because the medicine was already on-hand.
Luckily, that will not change.
“I was so overwhelmed with emotion and joy that we don’t have to fight anymore after a battle of over two years,” Adams told the Associated Press. “She can just go to school like any other child and we don’t have to keep pushing to get what she needs.”
Assistant Superintendent Cathy Myhers was also happy the decision ruled in favor of the young medical marijuana patient.
“We are pleased with the decision and guidance,” Myhers said to the Press Democrat. “We are happy to have a decision that supports our ability to educate and serve this student in our public schools.”
The family’s lawyer, Joe Rogoway, believes the ruling will not only benefit young Brooke, but it can also serve as a precedent for the state in dealing with children facing similar debilitating illnesses.
“It’s always an uphill battle to convince the government to allow for medical marijuana use in sensitive areas,” said Rogoway. “The ruling is profound and the judge found it so incredibly important for children like Brooke. Hopefully, it provides opportunities for not just her, but other families in the same situation who desperately want to be able to go to school and socialize with children in their peer group.”
