HEALTH

Virginia Hemp Changes Alarm Family Over CBD Access

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 3

Center 100%

Sources: 3

LANCASTER COUNTY, Va. This week, Lisa Smith said changes to Virginia's hemp laws could put her 25-year-old daughter, Haley, at risk by limiting access to hemp-derived CBD products. Haley, who has Dravet Syndrome, has taken Charlotte's Web CBD since 2015 on doctors' advice and her family reports dramatic seizure reduction after starting the product. The family says Haley had more than 1,000 seizures per year before CBD and now experiences about 40 to 50 annually; she also has a vagus nerve stimulator and tried many pharmaceuticals by age 14. Lisa Smith expressed concern this week that legislative changes could interrupt Haley's treatment and urged attention from policymakers and regulators.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Seizures began for Haley at five months old.
By age 14 she had tried multiple pharmaceuticals and received a vagus nerve stimulator.
In 2015 Haley began using Charlotte's Web CBD on doctors' advice.
Family reports seizures declined from about 1,000 per year to 40–50 annually after CBD.
This week the mother warned that Virginia hemp law changes could jeopardize access.

Why This Matters to You

Changes to Virginia's hemp laws could impact access to CBD products. If you or a loved one rely on CBD for health reasons, this could disrupt your treatment. Keep an eye on local legislation and consider reaching out to your representatives.

The Bottom Line

Hemp-derived CBD has been a lifeline for Haley and her family. Any disruption to its availability could have serious health consequences. If you know someone who benefits from CBD, this is worth forwarding. Stay informed and proactive about changes in your state's hemp laws.