wo key senators in last session’s debate over CBD oil have reached a deal in principle, their offices said.

The legislation would shield from local prosecution those who have CBD oil to treat seizures.

Still, tweaks may be needed before a draft can be released to address the DEA’s decision last month to clarify marijuana extract is a Schedule I drug and illegal under federal law.

Scott Kelly, an aide to Sen. Van Wanggaard, one of the bill’s co-authors, said a new draft could be ready next week. To finish it, backers have to go through the legislation to make sure, for example, definitions in the bill mirror federal law, Kelly said. He added the bill would not make it any easier to get CBD oil, which is available in states where marijuana is legal, into Wisconsin.

“But if you can get it to Wisconsin, you’re not going to be prosecuted by state authorities,” he said.

In 2014, lawmakers passed and Gov. Scott Walker signed legislation that permitted a physician or pharmacy to dispense CBD oil to treat a seizure disorder. But backers of the treatment said it was not being dispensed, in part, because those seeking it had to be part of a trial to obtain it.

Last session’s bill sought to change the law to make clear those who possess CBD oil won’t be prosecuted for having it so long as they had certification from a physician that it’s needed to treat a seizure.

The bill died on the final day of the session after Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald used a procedural move to prevent the bill from coming to the floor through a pulling motion, citing opposition from some of his members.

GOP Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Brookfield and chair of the Health Committee, was one of the senators opposed to the bill. Her office said she’s been working with Wanggaard on the compromise and is onboard in principle.

Yesterday, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he’d like to see the CBD oil bill done this session. Assembly co-author Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, said he’s encouraged the Senate talks will pave the way for passage.

“If Leah is on board, I’m pretty sure we’ll be far on our way to getting the bill done,” he said.

See the DEA rule on marijuana extract:
http://bit.ly/2gKyyrq

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