A bill that would allow seriously ill children to participate in Connecticut's medical marijuana program is close to becoming law.
The bill will now move to Gov. Dannel Malloy's desk after the state Senate passed the bill late Friday night. It was it previously approved by House lawmakers.
Stratford resident Kim Hearn says the bill represents hope for her 10-year-old son, Sean.
At 4 years old, doctors diagnosed Sean with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a rare and debilitating form of childhood epilepsy. Hearn says it is characterized by significant developmental delays and multiple types of seizures every day.
"From a developmental perspective, Sean is probably at about a 6-month level," she says.
Hearn says cannabis oil has had success helping kids with extreme seizures in other states, which is why she joined the push in Connecticut to make it an option.
Gov. Malloy's office says the governor will sign the bill into law. It would allow only certain conditions to be eligible for the state medical marijuana program.
Additionally, two doctors would have to sign off on any prescription for a child.
Medical marijuana dispensaries also would not be allowed to provide qualified kids any product that is smoked, vaporized or inhaled. Instead, they would only be given liquid forms of the drug.