SB115 Summary

• Expands the affirmative defense for unlawful marijuana possession in the second degree to include individuals diagnosed with any debilitating medical condition (not just epilepsy) by a physician with whom they have a bona fide physician-patient relationship, if CBD provides therapeutic or palliative relief.

• Eliminates the requirement that CBD prescriptions be provided exclusively by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Neurology, allowing any qualified physician to prescribe CBD for debilitating medical conditions.

• Extends the affirmative defense to parents and legal guardians possessing CBD for minors prescribed the substance to treat debilitating medical conditions.

• Removes the July 1, 2019 repeal date, making the affirmative defense permanent.

• Defines "debilitating medical condition" to include cachexia, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe muscle spasms, and any other condition severe and resistant to conventional medicine.