TRENTON -- A bill inspired by a Burlington County teenage girl barred from using edible medical marijuana on campus faces its final legislative hurdle Monday afternoon.



In nearly record time last week, a bill by Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt and Assemblyman Lou Greenwald, (both D-Camden) that would require school districts to develop cannabis policies for students who are registered with the state's program was introduced and approved. A parent or another designated caregiver would be permitted to bring the oil to school and administer it to the child, according to the bill, which would also shield the district from legal liability. Marijuana possession remains a federal crime.



But the Senate had not taken action on the bill, which is required in order for the measure to reach the governor, who decides whether to sign it into law or veto it. With the legislature's summer recess beginning Tuesday, the Senate is relying on an obscure rule that allows the bill to bypass a committee hearing and head directly to the full Senate for the final vote.



Roger Barbour of Maple Shade, the father of 16-year-old Genny Barbour whose diagnosis with severe epilepsy qualified her for medical marijuana, said he and his family "cannot believe how fast it is going...It just goes to show you it's an important issue."

Marijuana and legal experts say Genny Barbour's case appears to be the first court challenge over access to medical cannabis in the nation.



Barbour, an attorney, has sued the Maple Shade school district and the Larc School in Bellmawr, which serves children with developmental disabilities, for refusing to allow Genny to consumer homemade cannabis oil at lunchtime. Maple Shade and Larc argued that allowing the oil inside the school violated drug-free school zone laws and federal law that despite state medical cannabis laws still consider marijuana possession a crime. Barbour lost the case in administrative court in January. He appealed, and a private hearing was held Wednesday.



"I argued to the Judge that the speed and overwhelming reaction was in response to him getting it wrong back in January, and now was his chance to get it right," Barbour said summarizing the hearing. "Genny has the right under current law, and that the legislature felt compelled to address his decision, and the public outcry, not to mention our Genny's plight."



Larc and Maple Shade officials have declined to discuss the case.



Since mid-April, Genny has attended school in the mornings. Her mother, Lora, has picked her up around lunchtime so she can have her noon-time dose of cannabis oil at home. "Genny is doing great with the steady four doses. No seizure since Thursday, (her) behavior is good -- very bright and talkative but a little sleepy during the day," Roger Barbour said.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.