After a long and emotional debate, the Idaho Senate has voted 22-12 in favor of SB 1146a, the bill to legalize a non-psychotropic extract of cannabis called cannabidiol oil for treatment of children with an intractable form of epilepsy.

“I think this is a very measured, compassionate approach to address this issue and it’s within the state’s scope,” said Sen. Cliff Bayer, R-Boise. Sen. Lori DenHartog, R-Meridian, said, “In a previous debate earlier this session, I told you that I trust parents, and I stand by that today. I trust these parents to make this decision for their children and for the health of their child. They are already making difficult decisions about approved medications that may or may not be effective, that come with serious risks and severe complications and side effects. And as a parent, if there is one ounce of hope, I would pursue that to the end of the earth for my child.”

Here’s how the vote broke down:

Voting in favor: Sens. Bayer, Buckner-Webb, Burgoyne, Davis, DenHartog, Guthrie, Jordan, Keough, Lacey, Martin, McKenzie, Nonini, Nuxoll, Rice, Schmidt, Siddoway, Souza, Stennett, Thayn, Tippets, Vick, and Ward-Engelking.

Voting against: Sens. Bair, Brackett, Cameron, Hagedorn, Heider, Hill, Johnson, Lakey, Lee, Lodge, Patrick and Winder.

Absent: Sen. Mortimer 

---

---