‘Huge’ benefit seen

The bill has been opposed by groups including the Wisconsin Medical Society, which has said the measure could have “unintended consequences” by removing physicians from the equation.

The group also testified last year that it raised questions on whether CBD oil products would be labeled accurately and actually be what they claimed.

But State Sen. Van Wanggaard, who authored the measure, said the oil has proven to help people who suffer from seizures. The bill is narrowly written to apply only to the oil and not other derivatives of marijuana, he added.

“If this drug can be utilized as medication … for those victims of the seizure disorders, boy this would be huge,” said Wanggaard, R-Racine.

The measure, if it passes the Senate judiciary committee Wednesday as expected, would then go to the full Senate. It also needs approval from the state Assembly and Gov. Scott Walker.

Federal changes also sought

Families would still face issues with federal laws. Because CBD is treated the same as marijuana, it is illegal to transport across state lines.