House approves marijuana oil study

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk is the next stop for legislation that authorizes an investigational study into clinical trials on certain patients with severe forms of epilepsy using an oil derived from the marijuana plant.

The Oklahoma House voted 85-5 for the measure and sent it to Fallin to be signed into law. Fallin has expressed support for the idea but says she remains opposed to legalizing all medical marijuana applications.

The bill’s author, Republican Rep. Jon Echols of Oklahoma City, says the bill authorizes an investigation into the use of cannabidiol in children with epilepsy.

Research suggests the oil may be effective to treat toddlers with rare conditions that cause seizures and strokes. Fallin has said cannabidiol could be "potentially life-saving" for some children.