SALT LAKE CITY -- A bill that would bring a form of cannabis oil into Utah to treat children who suffer from seizures has passed another hurdle.
The House passed House Bill 105 on Monday, and members of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee approved the bill Thursday. It will now go to the full Senate.
If HB 105 passes, parents would not face state prosecution for bringing cannabis oil into the state as long as they have their doctor's permission. Many parents said this is a better alternative to the medications their kids are taking now.
Those who oppose the bill said they have concerns about the long-term effects of the cannabis oil. They're also concerned about the possibility of the bill leading to the legalization of medical marijuana.
Utah resident Emilie Campbell has a son who has epilepsy. She said she's excited that the bill is moving on, but she expects another battle as it heads to the Senate.
"We know it's not in the bag, and there's a lot of valid concerns, but we're just hoping that the other senators won't be afraid of these concerns that really are not totally unfounded, but they're things we just don't know," Campbell said. "We're willing to jump into the water, we're hoping they'll be brave enough to do that too."
Rep. Gage Froerer, R-Huntsville, is sponsoring the bill. He said Utah is on the right side of the issue, and 18 other states are proposing similar legislation.
FOX 13's Tamara Vaifanua was at the State Capitol Thursday. Watch her full report in the clip above.
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