Chicago

Judge Allows 11-Year-old Girl to Use Medical Marijuana at School

Decision allows leukemia-free girl to take medicinal cannabis at school to treat seizures

An 11-year-old suburban Chicago elementary school student who suffered from leukemia can now use medicinal marijuana at school, a federal judge ruled Friday.

The girl's parents sued a Schaumburg-based school district and the state of Illinois for her to have the right to take medical marijuana at school to treat her seizure disorders.

The plaintiffs of the federal lawsuit, who are identified by initials, contended the state's ban on taking the drug at school is unconstitutional. They said it denies the right to due process and violates the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Friday's decision to allow the girl to take medicinal cannabis at school is an agreement between Judge John Blakey and the attorney general.

The 11-year-old student was being treated for leukemia with chemotherapy. The lawsuit says that as a result, the girl suffers seizure disorders and epilepsy.

Although she is now leukemia-free, her doctors have certified her to use medicinal marijuana to treat her seizures.

Illinois' medical cannabis law prohibits possessing or using marijuana on school grounds or buses.

School district officials said they will administer cannabis to the sixth grader until they get further clarification from the attorney general. An assistant attorney general told Blakey his office would allow the school to administer the drug until the office can figure out how to address the state law.

After Friday's hearing, the girl's parents said they were relieved and excited by the outcome.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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