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House OKs cannabis for kids with epilepsy

The Illinois House has approved legislation that would let minors with epilepsy use medical marijuana.

Lawmakers voted 98-18 Wednesday in favor of the measure.

The bill would add epilepsy to the list of treatable diseases in Illinois' medical cannabis pilot program. It also would allow children with epilepsy to consume oil from the marijuana plant.

Currently only Illinois residents 18 and older may use medical marijuana in the state's four-year pilot program.

Parents of children with epilepsy say consuming the oil reduces seizures and doesn't make children feel high. Opponents disagree with further legalizing the drug.

The Senate approved the bill in April. But the measure must return to the Senate for consideration of a House amendment that prohibits children from smoking medical cannabis.

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