girl taking scientific marijuana for seizures suing Jeff sessions and DEA

remaining up to date Nov 20, 2017 7:01 PM EST

DENVER -- A 12-yr-old girl is spearheading a campaign to legalize clinical marijuana across the total nation. Alexis Bortell noted she and her family had no choice but to move from their Texas home to Colorado to treat her severe epilepsy. Now, her family unit and a handful of others are suing legal professional general Jeff periods and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

they are annoying "cannabis for the remedy of their diseases, diseases and clinical circumstances."

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CBS news

"Ever due to the fact i have been on this hashish, I've definitely been seizure-free for – nowadays it's 974 days, so we're arising on 1,000. So I think it is pretty decent," Alexis advised CBS news correspondent Barry Petersen.

relatively respectable indeed because Alexis had seizures each few days, as seen in videos taken on the route of her medical doctors. Her fogeys said epilepsy medicinal drugs didn't work, and there became even speak of mind surgery. "What do you call epilepsy?" Petersen requested.

"neatly, I call it my seizure monster," Alexis stated. but this seems to tame the seizure monster: an oil made from marijuana taken twice a day. Her family unit lived in Texas where they couldn't get the oil they crucial, however they may in Colorado, the place each clinical and leisure pot are allowed.

For her father, Dean Bortell, the choice to stream right here three years in the past become a straightforward one.  "i'd die for her. correct? So the least I might do is uproot my existence and give her a chance on the exact same freedoms and future I had," Dean pointed out.

"you'd do it again?" Petersen asked.

"Twice on Sunday," Dean answered. Alexis hopes the lawsuit will make medical marijuana prison across the nation.   "Do you consider it's unfair that this drugs is not obtainable to each person within the united states?" Petersen requested her.

"I think it's in reality unfair, 'trigger I think like they are truly punishing us as a result of we're unwell," Alexis spoke of. but some medical experts aren't sure. Jacqueline French is the manager scientific officer for the Epilepsy groundwork."We actually need greater analysis to find out what's helping, what's hurting, what individuals should select this over any other options that they may additionally have," French stated. Alexis has turned her epilepsy into her cause, making cleaning soap and donating the proceeds to charity. She's even writing a book, however all she really wants is to just be a child.  "Does it make you additionally believe extra typical for your usual life?" Petersen asked.

"yes," Alexis spoke back. "as a result of i will, let's say, have a sleepover at a friend's residence without needing a seizure."

"Why did you feel individuals would take heed to a 12-12 months-historical?" Petersen asked.

"well, I think like it would not definitely matter, because it's the correct thing to do. and that i don't believe I deserve to be over 18 to do the right aspect," Alexis talked about.

The DEA and the Justice branch declined our offer to comment. As for Alexis, she takes her general life one day at a time, hoping the pot skill the seizure monster certainly not comes again.

For greater tips on the Epilepsy foundation's position on medical marijuana, visit their website.

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