CO: Local School District Considering Allowing Medical Marijuana

Robert Celt

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A Southern Colorado school district could be the first in the state to allow medicinal cannabis on school grounds.

The police would allow students who are registered with the state to use medical cannabis, to access it at school.

11 News first brought you the story of Jax Stormes, a boy who suffers from Dravet's Syndrome and has frequent seizures. His mother Jennie treats him with cannabis. She accidentally sent a lunch which him to school last year that had cannabis capsules in it. Jax was suspended per D49 policy concerning controlled substances. You can read more from our previous report here .

Since then, a state law was passed that allowed school districts to create policies to allow the drug on school property.

So far in Colorado, District 49 is the only one working on such a policy.

"We have some learners who have some severe medical needs were they have frequent seizures that are debilitating to the learning process and some of our families have found cannabinoid products help these students," said Matt Meister, Spokesperson for D49.

The District said the drafted policy would help about 40 students who use cannabis during the day.

"This isn't about recreational, this isn't about exposing anybody else to any cannabis, any other things. we're giving him the medicine he needs to save his live and help him," said Jennie.

The District's policy would not allow any marijuana product that can be inhaled.

"These are typically oil based and high in CBD which is a non psychoactive product and it's been shown to be very effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures," said Meister.

The liquid cannabis would be locked up at the nurse's office and could only be administered by the student's licensed care giver.

"If we can give Riddalin and Adderal and all of these really high potent drugs to children on school campuses safely and effectively, we can do the same with cannabis," said Jennie.

The policy also has a stipulation that if there is a threat to lose Federal funding, the school district can void the policy. Marijuana is still illegal under Federal law.

Meister said D49 receives about $7 million in Federal funding each year and could not afford to lose it.

The D49 Board will be voting on the policy in May but is gathering input until then. They are welcoming people to speak during the public input portion of their board meetings. A poll is also available on the District's Facebook page. You can also Click here to read the policy and give your input on their online poll.

At the State level, a House Bill is gaining momentum that would require school districts in Colorado to allow medical marijuana on school grounds.

As it's written currently, House Bill 1373 would reimburse schools for any Federal funding that may be lost because of the adoption of a medical marijuana policy.

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News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: CO: Local School District Considering Allowing Medical Marijuana
Author: Danielle Kreutter
Photo Credit: Brennan Linsley
Website: 11News
 
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