PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island health officials have approved a petition that will allow parents to use medical marijuana to treat autistic children.
The health department requires doctors consult with pediatric specialists and use “pharmaceutic grade forms of pure CBD.”
The state Department of Health says the petition will allow doctors to prescribe medical cannabis for autistic patients. Officials say the decision is “subject to judicial approval.”
Parents had asked that cannabidiol (CBD) be permitted in treatment. CBD doesn’t contain THC, the compound that gives pot its high.
The health department requires doctors consult with pediatric specialists and use “pharmaceutic grade forms of pure CBD.” Doctors will also be required to consider other medications before using medical marijuana.
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Department spokesman Joseph Wendelken says the goal of the guidelines is to ensure “the safest and most effective course of treatment.”
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