Medical Marijuana Update
Districts have been "buzzing" with fear of a wave of medical marijuana prescriptions for students. The medical marijuana legislation taking effect in Illinois last year originally authorized medical marijuana for adults only. But parents of children with severe seizure disorders moved for a change in the law to allow minors to get the drug as well. While this seems to encourage the trepidation, the requirements are detailed and absolutely will not allow usage on school grounds.
Children under the age of 18 (1) will need permission from a parent or legal guardian, (2) must get the drug through an adult caregiver, and (3) will be required to receive approval from their own treating physician and a second doctor. Children may only obtain marijuana-infused products, such as food or liquid drops, and will not be allowed to get raw pot for smoking, under the Illinois Department of Public Health rules. The Illinois Department of Public Health FAQ document on the subject may be found here.
Using medical cannabis is prohibited in a school bus, on the grounds of any preschool or primary or secondary school, in any correctional facility, in any motor vehicle, in a private resident used at any time to provide licensed child care or other similar social service care on the premises and in any public place where an individual could reasonably be expected to be observed by others. A public place includes all parts of building owned in whole or in part, or leased, by the state or local unit of government. Using medical cannabis is also prohibited in a health care facility or any other place where smoking is prohibited by the Smoke-free Illinois Act, and prohibited when knowingly in close physical proximity to anyone under the age of 18.
The bottom line? The State has yet to approve any applications; doctors, already hesitant about prescribing to adults, will likely maintain strict adherence to the policy behind the extension to minors related only to certain seizure activity; and the products legal for use by minors are not readily available on the market. Absolutely banned is any usage on school grounds or in close physical proximity to any minor. "Don't worry. . . be happy" - this isn't an issue that will affect your district in any major way.