Texas mom continues to push for medical marijuana legislation

Critical week for medical marijuana bill, HB 2107

AUSTIN – Three months ago we met Vincent Zuniga, an 9-year-old boy suffering from autism and epilepsy that would cause constant seizures and aggression.

Zuniga's parents moved him to Colorado to get legal access to medical marijuana. Since the move, his mother Michelle Walker said she is finally getting to know who her son is.

"It's so different," Walker said. "He says spontaneous sentences and has much more language. It's like I'm meeting him for the first time."

RELATED: SA 'medical refugees relocate for legalized marijuana to aid son

Recently Zuniga accomplished a huge milestone, over 30 days without a meltdown or aggressive attack. 

Walker said it's all because of medical marijuana.

"My only regret is not doing it sooner," Walker said. "It saved Vincent's life."

Walker is back in Texas and along with dozens of other advocates trying to get HB 2107 signed and put into law so she and her family can move back to Texas.

Last Tuesday, Walker spoke to the Public Health Committee and shared her story.

After the hearing over 70 representatives signed on to co-author the bill, but a date has yet to be set for the bill to get a vote on the House floor.

"We have some amazing authors that are working really hard," Walker said. “I have full hope and faith that our representatives will do the right thing and support our children."

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About the Author:

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.