- Sabrina and Tim Mattis emphasize the positive impact of medical cannabis on their 9-year-old daughter, Krystal, who has autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. They sought to have her attend school full-time this fall, as her previous years involved half-days due to extensive therapy sessions.
- The Mattis family’s plans were disrupted when school district officials stated that Krystal couldn’t receive her mid-day dose of medical cannabis on school premises. The family strongly believes that this medication is essential for Krystal’s success in the classroom, and they find the school’s decision unfair and unjust.
- Sabrina sought assistance from DFL Rep. Zack Stephenson, who authored a recreational cannabis bill that also covers medical cannabis. Stephenson clarified that while there are restrictions on cannabis use, possession, and transportation on school grounds, there is an exception for medical cannabis that doesn’t involve smoking or vaporization.
Thanks to medical cannabis, Sabrina and Tim Mattis have seen a significant improvement in their 9-year-old daughter, Krystal, who has autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy.
Eager for Krystal to attend school full-time after years of half-days due to extensive therapies, they encountered a setback when school district officials prohibited her from taking her mid-day medical cannabis dose on school premises.
The Mattis family believes this medicine is vital for Krystal’s success in the classroom.
Sabrina Mattis expressed her frustration, describing the situation as unfair and unjust. She emphasized that Krystal deserves to attend school for the entire day while having access to her medication, just like any other child.
The school district suggested that the Mattis family could take Krystal out of school to administer her cannabis oil tincture, a mixture of CBD and THC with juice, and then return her to school.
However, concerned about the potential disruption and confusion for their non-verbal daughter, who relies on a communication device, they opted to return to half-day attendance.
Tim Mattis explained their decision, stating that taking Krystal out of school would disrupt her routine and potentially lead to discomfort, affecting the rest of her day negatively.
Desperate for a solution, Sabrina sought help from DFL Rep. Zack Stephenson, the author of a bill legalizing recreational cannabis use for adults aged 21 and over, which also covers medical cannabis.
Stephenson clarified that while the law prohibits cannabis use, possession, and transportation on school grounds, there’s an exception for medical cannabis as long as it isn’t smoked or vaporized.
He emphasized that lawmakers drafting the language prioritized keeping the medical cannabis program intact to ensure children could access the medicine they depend on.
The Mattis family hopes the school district will reconsider its policy or that the legislature will pass a separate law mandating schools to allow children to access their medical cannabis on school property.
