RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ The Virginia Senate has overwhelmingly approved a proposal to legalize two derivatives of the marijuana plant for treating severe epilepsy. The legislation offered by Sen. David Marsden, a Fairfax County Democrat, would allow legal possession of cannabidiol oil or THC-A oil when a doctor determines that a patient has a debilitating epileptic condition. The 37-1 vote came after lawmakers heard emotional testimony from families of children who suffer frequent epileptic seizures and have experienced serious side effects from taking legal drugs. A similar measure from Del. David Albo, a Fairfax County Republican, has won a unanimous committee vote and is headed to the floor of the House of Delegates. Current Virginia law allows the use of medical marijuana only for treatment of cancer and glaucoma.
