Carly’s Law Study: Patients On Marijuana Derivative Oil Report Progress
Last year, Alabama was the second state to legalize limited use of a marijuana derivate commonly known as CBD oil. Alabama’s “Carly’s Law” allows doctors and researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to study and prescribe CBD oil to select patients suffering from seizures. CBD oil has only traces or no THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana known to produce a high. And it’s changing the debate about medical marijuana. UAB’s study officially started this spring. Here’s an update:
PEDIATRIC PATIENTS
Robert Mitchell, 11, of Decatur, and Carly Chandler, 4, of Hoover each suffer from difficult-to-treat seizure disorders. They experience hundreds of seizures daily, and they vary in severity and duration. Both families have tried countless conventional medications and diets, and Robert even had brain surgery. But they say the seizures had never let up — that is, not until a few weeks ago when they started taking CBD oil. Robert and Carly are two of the first pediatric patients enrolled in the UAB CBD oil study approved by Carly’s law.
CHANGES
Robert’s father says his son’s seizures have drastically subsided, and that Mitchell is more aware than ever.
“I’ve got a kid now that fights me like a teenager for the first time in his life,” he says. “I got a kid that his mother can now trust him to get up and walk around for the first time in a year.”
Carly’s father notes similar improvements. According to Dr. Bebin, who oversees the Pediatric CBD Oil Clinic, Carly’s recent EEG brain scan shows “definite improvement.”
Both families are convinced and optimistic, but due to the lack of previous research, doctors at UAB are hesitant to jump to conclusions.
THE STUDY
Since Carly’s law passed in 2014, patients have hoped to get into the study. So far 16 pediatric patients and 15 adult patients are enrolled. Plans are to enroll 50 of each. Critics say UAB isn’t accepting enough patients, and that they are enrolling patients too slowly. But Dr. David Standaert, Chair of the UAB Neurology department, says it’s all a part of doing research with a drug that’s basically illegal here.
WHAT’S NEXT
But even the the families lucky enough to take part are worried about what will happen when it’s over. Outside of UAB hospital walls, CBD oil is illegal in Alabama. Neither the Mitchells nor the Chandlers want to relocate to a state with more permissive marijuana laws. They intend to fight for state and federal legislation to make CBD more accessible, and not just for those with seizure disorders.
The two families acknowledge that their kids are test patients, and they are ok with that. They say they’re already reaping the benefits of seeing their children come alive.
Hegseth orders the name of gay rights activist Harvey Milk scrubbed from Navy ship
The action is the latest move by the Trump administration to purge all programs, policies, books and social media mentions of references to diversity, equity and inclusion.
What the cross-examination of one witness reveals about the Sean Combs trial
The prosecution pushed back on the defense's aggressive questioning of a former Combs employee, saying harassment of the witness might intimidate others taking the stand.
USDA says demand for sensitive food stamp data from states is on hold
The federal government told states to turn over names, birthdates, Social Security numbers and other sensitive data about food assistance recipients. Amid a legal challenge, the agency says the request is on hold.
The White House unveils the new official portrait of President Trump
Trump appears expressionless in the new presidential portrait, depicted against a dark, blank background.
Trump asks Congress to wipe out funding for public broadcasting
President Trump is asking lawmakers to claw back the $1.1 billion in federal subsidies for public broadcasting that Congress approved earlier this year. His request also includes cuts to foreign aid.
In a break with Trump, Elon Musk calls the GOP megabill a ‘disgusting abomination’
Musk joined with GOP critics who say the multi-trillion dollar plan to enact the president's domestic priorities doesn't go far enough to cut federal spending.