House panel OKs cannabis for epileptic kids

SPRINGFIELD - A measure that would allow children with epilepsy to use medical marijuana is advancing in the Illinois legislature.

A House committee approved the proposal Wednesday on a 15-0 vote. The legislation would add epilepsy to the list of treatable diseases in the state's medical cannabis pilot program. It would also allow children with epilepsy to use medical cannabis.

Parents of children with epilepsy contend the oil from cannabis plants reduces the frequency of seizures and doesn't get users high. Opponents say they're against any further legalization of marijuana.

State Rep. Lou Lang is sponsoring the legislation. The Skokie Democrat says he plans to alter the legislation so that it prohibits children from smoking medical cannabis.

The Senate approved the measure last month.