Alexis Bortell is a Texas girl whose daily epileptic seizures were quelled by medical marijuana, and now she is turning into one of the state’s biggest advocates for legalized cannabis.
One year ago, Bortell was living with a condition that prevented her from living a normal life, and treatments were not making the seizures get any better.
A specialist told the Bortell family that Alexis might benefit by leaving Texas and moving to a state where she could be treated with medical marijuana .
“We’ve always said if Alexis’ health or life was in danger we would leave,” her father Dean Bortell said.
But after a serious seizure, the Bortell family decided to move to Colorado, where she responded immediately to the cannabis oil treatment.
“Since the first dose, she has not had a single symptom or seizure and we’re on day 22 now,” the family wrote on the Team Alexis Facebook page .
Now, Alexis herself has turned into an advocate for medical marijuana, pushing for its legalization in the state of Texas.
“I think that it should be legal in Texas because every child should live a normal life,” Alexis Bortell told NewsFix last month.
Her family is continuing the cause as well, lobbying state lawmakers in Texas to legalize the treatment. There are now 11 bills before the state’s legislature that would move toward legalization .
The family recently posted an invitation to Medical Cannabis Lobby Day , calling on those living in Texas to show up in support of Alexis and her cause.
“We are asked every day, ‘What can I do to help Alexis?’ For those of you in Texas, attending this lobby day next Thursday and lobbying for Alexis, other Texans forced to live as Medical Refugees in legal states,and sick and suffering Texans who can’t move could really help and we will be eternally grateful.”
Alexis said her hope is to be able to return to her home in Texas.
“I love Texas because my family is here, my school, and my home,” Alexis told NewsFix .
Her parents say that is the ultimate goal, and it could be happening soon. The move to legalize medical marijuana in Texas appears to be moving forward, as the Texas Observer noted.
“This session, three Republican legislators filed bills that would legalize access to cannabidiol (CBD), one of the 85 active ingredients in cannabis. CBD has been effective at treating some epilepsy patients, but many patients need other components of marijuana, including THC, to effectively treat their symptoms. HB 3785 and SB 1839 would allow access to whole marijuana and oils that have a more balanced ratio of CBD and THC.”
While many expect the state to legalize marijuana sometime in 2015, for Alexis Bortell, it would mean something even bigger — coming home to Texas.
[Image via Flickr]
