Mississippi Study Examines if Marijuana Can Cut Seizures | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Mississippi Study Examines if Marijuana Can Cut Seizures

The University of Mississippi Medical Center says the six-month trial began early last month, after finally surmounting years of bureaucratic obstacles. File Photo

The University of Mississippi Medical Center says the six-month trial began early last month, after finally surmounting years of bureaucratic obstacles. File Photo Photo by File Photo

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A study of whether ingredients extracted from marijuana can reduce seizures in children is moving ahead in Mississippi.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center says the six-month trial began early last month, after finally surmounting years of bureaucratic obstacles.

The state Legislature carved out a narrow exception in state law forbidding marijuana possession to allow the study in 2014, but it had been stalled for more than four years awaiting federal approval.

Dr. Brad Ingram says 10 children and teens between 8 and 19 are taking part in the study. All have severe forms of epilepsy that don't respond well to current medicines.

Ingram says participants will be given cannabidiol to test whether the substance is safe, has harmful interactions with other drugs, and helps patients.

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

comments powered by Disqus