Austin family would like form of medical marijuana passed

AUSTIN, Texas - An Austin family would like their five-year-old daughter to live seizure-free.

She's been suffering from them ever since she was four months old.

They think hemp oil could be the answer, but a bill has to pass first.

There are two bills this legislative session that would bring a form of medical marijuana to Texas.

One of them was heard by state lawmakers on Tuesday, the other will be heard Wednesday.

Like any other parents, Tim and Brehanna want the best for their daughter Hanna.

What they think would be best is currently illegal in Texas.

"It's hard on the parents. You know, you want to be there for your kids but honestly it's hard because you have to deal with seeing them struggle for life every day," says Brehanna and Tim McMorris, Hanna's parents.

Five-year-old Hanna suffers from Dravet Syndrome, causing her to have at least one seizure a day.

She has tried all type of medications, but most have severe side effects.

"She's had hair loss, facial edema, she's had weight gain, she's had increased seizures, she will be asleep for hours at a time because she's so intoxicated from these drugs," says McMorris family.

Now Hanna is on a very restrictive diet.

It has helped reduce the seizures but makes her sensitive to other things.

She must wear a cooling vest when outside.

She can't play with things like markers, paint and crayons, preventing her from living a normal life.

"We've tried nail polish before, because what little girl doesn't like nail polish, and even that sets off the seizures," says McMorris family.

There are two bills that aim to legalize CBD oil in Texas.

It's made from marijuana plants but very low in THC and has been used to treat epilepsy.

A hearing on one bill was presented to lawmakers on Tuesday.

Many who are for, others against.

Paige Figi shared her daughter Charlotte's story, which has gained national attention.

Suffering from nearly 1,200 seizures a month.

That's until she was able to use CBD oil.

"When we started she was in a wheelchair, in a hospital bed, on oxygen, on a feeding tube. We had brought her home and signed a "do not resuscitate" order. My husband in Afghanistan signed a "do not resuscitate" order. We weren't going to put her in another medically induced coma. She now, three years later, has 99.9 percent seizure control. She can walk, she can talk, she can eat," says Paige Figi, Charlotte's mom.

Figi's testimony has helped pass bills in 13 states.

Hanna's family, would like that same option here.

"I think she could possibly be seizure-free and if she could be seizure-free she could have her life," says Hanna's family.

Supporters of these two bills say the best way you can help is by contacting your legislator.

For more information, click here.

To learn more about Hanna, click here.