An 11-year-old girl in remission is now allowed to use medical marijuana at school as treatment. Ashley Lurin, the Chicago elementary student, was diagnosed with leukemia from the age of two. She now suffers from exhausting, semi-regular seizures. A judge has ruled for Lurin to be dispensed her medication, and can now return to school.
Parents sue school board and the state of Illinois
Because the states cannabis laws prohibit the use of marijuana on school grounds, Lurin was denied the use of her medication. However, Lurin’s parents have sued a Schaumburg-based school district and the state of Illinois for her right to use prescribed cannabis. So far, medical marijuana at school is legal in three states- Colorado, New Jersey and Maine. School district officials will now administer Lurin her medication until there is more information from the attorney general.
Medical marijuana treats seizures and pain
Lurin underwent chemotherapy and spinal injections that sent her cancer into remission, but triggered her seizures. She suffered from mood swings and low vitality as a result of traditional medicine. Her parents searched for another solution. A doctor prescribed medical marijuana as an alternative treatment. The cannabis has reduced the frequency of seizures and the pain caused by them. She wears a cannabis patch on her foot and rubs cannabis oil on her wrists. In the case of a seizure, she will drop cannabis oil on her tongue. Mother Maureen Surin said daughter can now think, walk and talk better in an interview with Chicago’s WGN. “Ashley cannot wait to return to school,” Surins’ lawyer Steven Glink told NPR. The girls father said that he hopes this helps change state law and helps many students who rely on marijuana as medication.
