By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

Carly’s Law was officially passed as Governor Robert Bentley signed the bill on April 1. The bill passed through the Alabama Legislature in late March, receiving unanimous approval from both the House and the Senate.

Carly’s Law allows for the clinical study of cannabidiol oil, a derivative of the cannabis plant, for the treatment of seizure disorders. The bill also allots $1 million to fund research into CBD oil.

“From the beginning, I supported a clinical trial of cannabidiol oil to research the effectiveness of helping patients with debilitating seizure disorders,” said Bentley in a April 1 news release.

Bentley, a graduate of the University of Alabama School of Medicine and former dermatology resident at UAB, expressed confidence in the CBD oil research program.

“Alabama has the best research institutions in the country, and I hope this Alabama-led medical study can bring relief to children, like Carly Chandler,” Bentley said.

The passage of Carly’s Law reflects many hours of work and dedication of many Alabamians, such as Dustin Chandler, a Pelham Police officer. Chandler’s three-year-old daughter, Carly, is one of the many children and people across Alabama who could be positively affected by this law.

The Carly’s Law will take effect on June 1.