Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker [official website] signed Senate Bill 10 [materials], legalizing the medicinal use of a marijuana extract, into law Monday. The bill, which was passed by both houses of the Wisconsin legislature earlier this year, allows patients to receive Cannabidiol from a physician or pharmacy with a prescription. The oil, which contains THC common in marijuana, will be used to treat medical conditions and does not produce a high or psychoactive effect. Research shows that the oil has positive effects when used to treat seizures, pain, anxiety, and other disorders. The state had seen a push from its citizens [Journal Sentinel report] to allow the use of the oil to help in a variety of medical circumstances, including the legislation gaining the name Lydia’s law, for a 6 year old girl who died without having access to the treatment. The legislation was passed with almost unanimous support, only 1 person opposed, which is a turn from a piece of legislation that was voted down last year.

In recent times, states have begun to recognize the medical benefits that are provided by cannabis, and have introduced laws that allow it to become legal on a variety of levels. JURIST Guest Columnist Jody H. Lehrer, of Northeastern Institute of Cannabis, discusses the national movement towards the legalization [JURIST op-ed] of cannabis and the effects that it might have on the nation. To gain a perspective on medical marijuana JURIST Guest Columnist Amy St. John, manager at Earth’s Healing, shares some professional experiences [JURIST op-ed] and personal opinions from her time spent working inside the marijuana industry. As more States continue to pass legislation that allows for various forms of use of cannabis, it is worth noting that it is still an illegal substance at the federal level. JURIST Guest Columnist Hilary Bricken, of Canna Law Group, discusses the Trump administration and how it could impact the status [JURIST op-ed]of cannabis at the state level.