Medical Cannabis Gains Strength in the Conservative States of the South in the United States

In South Carolina, Ada Jones helps people who need medical cannabis. She encourages them to purchase it and to create their own cannabis oil, especially those who suffer from the symptoms of an advanced illness. Above all, she defines herself as a Christian, therefore she says she is obliged to stop and help others when they really need it.

What is happening in the south of the US is very different to the legalisation situation that has been experienced in places such as Colorado, Washington and Oregon. The country’s southern region, which is very conservative, does not usually stand out or appear in the media for matters relating to marijuana. However, lately, a debate over medical cannabis has gained strength, especially among families with children who suffer epilepsy, who are looking for solutions.

Jones has always been a resolute defender of the plant’s use for medical purposes. She saw how, between 1978 and 1982, 25 states worked on research programs into the matters, some of which were approved but never put into practice. In South Carolina, last year the senator Tom Davis studied some of the old statutes linked to this matter in order to clarify what was allowed by a 35 year old law (that has never been applied). Among other things, it was devised to help people suffering from cancer and glaucoma. Therefore, Davis gave approval to look for patients that were interested, and professionals that would provide them with the product they needed.

Something similar has taken place in Louisiana, a place that became the third state in the country to approve legislation that, up until this year, had not come into effect for any patients. In June this year, the governor Bobby Jindal signed a draft bill making it possible to distribute the medicine among patients. Although it could be years before a formal system is put in place, this is a significant step.

These cases have served as an example for other places in the south of the US where people are beginning to mobilise in order to attain similar results and be able to use the product for medical matters. The fact that politicians are explaining the benefits of the plant alongside personal stories and patients is helping the process along significantly.