LANSING, MI (AP)-- A panel is meeting to decide whether to recommend autism as a condition that qualifies for medical marijuana in Michigan.
The meeting Monday in Lansing is occurring about two months after the Medical Marijuana Review Panel heard testimony, mostly in favor of adding autism.
Supporters say oil extracted from marijuana has been effective in controlling severe physical behavior of children with an extreme form of autism. The oil is taken by mouth. The supporters include Dr. Harry Chugani, chief of pediatric neurology at Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.
Any decision to add autism would rest with the director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. In michigan, medical marijuana can be used to relieve the side effects of cancer, glaucoma, HIV, hepatitis C, and a few other conditions.