State Rep. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, opposed a bill that would legalize the use of hemp extract to treat epilepsy.
Despite Schatzs vote against the bill, the legislation has passed the Senate and House and now awaits the governors signature.
State Rep. Paul Curtman, R-Pacific, and State Rep. Dave Hinson, R-St. Clair, voted in favor of the bill.
Schatz said the use of hemp to treat epilepsy has not been properly studied. Legalizing hemp to treat the condition before doing research is putting the cart before the horse, Schatz added.
He was one of 12 representatives who opposed the bill 137 voted in favor of it in the House.
There is no scientific research to say that it works, he said, adding that he is not against people taking every measure they can to treat epilepsy.
If it is found that hemp is an effective treatment, he supports letting people use it for that purpose, he said. But he does not want to act recklessly by approving the use without first knowing the side effects.
Hinson said he voted in favor of the bill because there have been studies to show that the treatment can reduce seizures in children and help them lead a more productive life.
Some of the children have problems such as muscular dystrophy and autism, and Hinson supports taking steps to help them.
Moreover, Hinson said Missouri is not the guinea pig on this issue because the use of hemp oil has been researched.
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Schatz Opposes Use of Hemp for Epilepsy Treatment