HB401 – Permitting Cannabidiol Prescriptions in Delaware

The FDA (Food & Drug Administration) is currently reviewing a new pharmaceutical product called Cannabidiol (CBD) to treat patients with rare pediatric seizure disorders.  Yes, it is made from cannabis.   If approved, this drug will be required to be prescribed and dispensed like other FDA approved products. As you can see from the graphic above, it does have significant benefits.

However, to make sure that this product and future FDA approved marijuana containing products are available to patients as soon as possible, a change in Delaware law is required. This bill would exempt federally lawful FDA approved marijuana containing products from Schedule I of the state’s Controlled Substances Act until they are rescheduled under Delaware law. This would allow patient access to new therapies without an administrative delay, and allow FDA approved marijuana containing medicines to be prescribed, dispensed and regulated like other FDA approved pharmaceutical products.

Illegal possession or sale of these drugs would be prosecuted as any other violation of the Controlled Substance Act.

The bill has bipartisan support as you can see in the sponsorship below.

HB401 – Permitting Cannabidiol once it is FDA approved
STATUS – Waiting on a hearing in committee
HISTORY – Placed in House Health & Human Development 5/3/18
SPONSORS – Heffernan, Poore, Delcollo, Ennis, Bentz, Briggs King, Spiegelman
YES –
NO –
ABSENT –
NOT VOTING –