Page 20 - Beth Collins News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Their state government. together, they decided to do something audacious, convince the state legislature to make legal room for a very specific medical marijuana. >> if it was just a matter of getting the oil for the children, health-wise, everybody is on board with that. >> we are from fairfax, virginia. >> reporter: this was the core group, beth and patrick collins and their daughter, jennifer, who suffers from jeavons syndrome, another extreme form of epilepsy. >> and jennifer has a statement, but she is a little nervous, so i'm going to read it for her. >> we came down to the capitol today...

As far as we have traveled, as much as the moms have done, i our and prayers this medication works. ♪ >> reporter: as the sun rises in virginia, it's a new day. after bobby's trip to colorado, haley starts treatments with charlotte's web. >> you ready? >> reporter: there's no guarantee it will work but the smiths believe it's worth a try. >> there it is. taste like brussels sprouts? >> reporter: lisa and bobby are hopeful as they wait to see if it works. jennifer collins is using the thc-a she first tried in colorado and beth and patrick are lowering the doses of her anti-epileptic pharmaceu...

I have seen it work in a bunch of other kids. and that it's an amazing plant. >> you get on the plane, fly out to colorado, see with your own eyes what's happening. what did you think? >> this is amazing. she's back. my daughter's back. her personality, you know. >> life changing. >> reporter: but splitting the family, being apart was too much. beth and jennifer moved back to virginia and that's why on this february morning, they are gathered here with theresa elder and the smiths in the house gathering to await the final vote. >> the house is now in session. >> what this bill says one simple ...

But determined to begin the long process of changing the minds and hearts of these lawmakers. the families are not asking to legalize marijuana in the state, but they are asking for permission to use cannabis-based oils that have shown promise in treating epilepsy. republican speaker of the house, james howell, listened to the parents in a meeting but was far from optimistic. >> please don't hold out any great hopes. it is a tough thing. i don't want to set up any false aspirations. >> no. no. >> reporter: a new law would have to pass both chambers of the virginia legislature. this is the firs...

>> reporter: the virginia families enter the historic state capitol, on edge. it's now february 2015 and they have come a long way. after today, the law will either pass or the vote will be put off for at least a year. >> i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america. >> reporter: lisa smith is here with haley. theresa elder is here, too, though tommy couldn't make it. and patrick and beth collins are here with their daughters jennifer and alexandria. of the virginia families, the collinses are the only ones who experienced the benefits of cannabis oil firsthand. a year prior...