Stephen Schmitt is the 9-year-old son of Mo. State Senator Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale. Stephen suffers from epilepsy, tuberous sclerosis, and has also been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is unable to speak and requires near-constant care.
Schmitt told the Missouri Senate Thursday about his son's medical struggles and how it has affected his family while speaking in support of House Bill 2238. It would allow cannabidiol, a cannabis extract also known as CBD oil, or hemp oil, to be used to treat epilepsy patients who don't respond to conventional treatments. CBD oil is currently legal in only three states: Colorado, Nevada, and Utah.
In an emotional speech, Schmitt said that he didn't know whether CBD oil would help Stephen, but that he and other parents in Missouri should have the opportunity to find out without having to move to another state.
Schmitt's address can be heard by clicking the link below:
The Missouri Senate unanimously passed the hemp oil bill, 32-0. Less than two hours later it passed the Missouri House 136-12, with a few lawmakers expressing concerns that CBD oil has not been approved for use by the FDA.
House Bill 2238 is now on its way to Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat.
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