Lawmakers seek to legalize possession of marijuana byproduct

MADISON -- A Wisconsin committee has taken up a bill that would allow residents to legally possess a marijuana byproduct to treat severe seizure disorders.

Lawmakers and parents told the Assembly Committee on Children and Families on Wednesday that they want to approve the bill so parents can legally possess the derivative that doesn't produce a high in users. Families with the drug wouldn't be able to produce, purchase or transport the drug in Wisconsin and would still be subject to federal law.

It's legal for hospitals to run clinical trials using the drug, but none has started a trial in the year since the derivative was legalized.

A Wisconsin Medical Society spokesman said the bill would shortcut allowing doctors to test the drug and could be dangerous.