A state board has approved adding autism to the list of conditions that can be treated with medical marijuana. The Michigan Medical Marihuana Review Panel voted 4-2 on Friday to make the recommendation.
The final decision will be made by Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Mike Zimmer.
Carolyn Gammicchia of Shelby Twp. has a 24 year old son who has severe autism. She wishes marijuana would have been a treatment option earlier.
“When they voted ‘yes,’ it just was such a relief because I have so many friends whose children are on the verge of actually dying – and I can say dying – and were hoping for this,” said a tearful Gammicchia. “At least give us that option. And I do not think that this is something that’s going to be abused.”
The review panel rejected a previous petition to add autism as a qualifying condition in 2013. A new petition was submitted by attorney Michael Komorn on behalf of a client.
“This is a huge victory,” said Komorn. “It is very meaningful for the state of Michigan – really, nationally. There are parents all over the county that suffer without any answers. They have no hope. We’ve been contacted by them. And I wouldn’t be surprised if many of them come to the state of Michigan just for that reason alone.”
Some on the Medical Marijuana Review Panel – which is made up mostly of physicians - expressed concerns with using cannabis for autism. They worry it could hurt neurological development in children and teens.
