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Oklahoma Relaxes Definition of Marijuana To Exclude Non-Intoxicating Chemical

Oklahoma will now exclude cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating chemical found in marijuana, from its definition of the drug.
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The state of Oklahoma has changed its definition of marijuana to exclude federally approved treatments containing cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating chemical found in the plant.  

On Monday, Gov. Mary Fallin signed a bill modifying state laws to permit drugs and other substances containing cannabidiol that have been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The chemical, also known as CBD, has been researched as a treatment for seizures, anxiety, tumors and pain. However, the FDA has yet to approve any substances containing it.

Fallin approved the use of cannabidiol for medical research in 2015. According toThe Oklahoman newspaper:

“This bill will help get sick children potentially life-changing medicine,” Fallin said. “By crafting the legislation in a way that allows for tightly controlled medical studies, we can ensure we are researching possible treatments in a responsible and scientific way.”

The status of medical marijuana in Oklahoma, however, is another story. A statewide referendum on the issue is set to appear on the ballot in 2018.

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