Michigan panel delays decision on medical marijuana for autism

MEDICAL MARIJUANA(2).JPG

A state panel has delayed making a decision on allowing medical marijuana to be used to treat autism.

(MLive.com File Photo)

LANSING, MI -- The Michigan Medical Marijuana Review Panel on Monday delayed making a decision on adding autism to a list of debilitating conditions deemed suitable for treatment with cannabis.

Some have argued for years that oil extracted from marijuana can help reduce severe anxiety and confusion that often leads to self-destructive or aggressive behavior in autistic children.

But the state review panel postponed action Monday to allow more time to study research on the subject, according to the Associated Press.

The panel will meet again July 31.

It will eventually make a recommendation to the state Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Department for or against adding autism to the list, which currently includes cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other debilitating ailments.

The panel has declined to recommend adding autism in the past, citing a lack of quality, peer-reviewed research exploring marijuana as a treatment for autism.

Related: Why one Michigan mother fought for the legal right to give her autistic son a pot brownie

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.