Larry Burgess suffers from debilitating non-epileptic seizures. They've controlled his life for years, but he finally found a treatment that would help him live a productive life without bankrupting his family.

Then the police came and took it all away.

Arrest

Burgess was in possession of a single marijuana plant when Wilson County Sheriff deputies burst into his home with guns drawn. They arrested Burgess in front of his family and charged him with 4 felony drug charges.

The man admits to having a marijuana plant. He says he harvests cannabis oil from the leaves and puts it into capsules that treat his seizures. It's the only thing that has worked.

Seizures Return

After he was denied his medication Burgess's seizures returned.

"I had two seizures, the first one they took me to the hospital, the second one the following morning. I wasn't able to get any medical help," Burgess told a Kansas news station.

While in jail Burgess has been forced to use measures to control his seizures that have already been proven ineffective. The only thing that works for him is Cannabis Oil.

Decided To Treat Himself

The Burgess family admits to knowing that marijuana is illegal in the state of Kansas. That's why they had been making trips to Colorado, where pot is legal, to purchase what Burgess needed to live a normal life.

After awhile that became to expensive.

"Instead of trying to deal with unsavory characters or actual criminals, I decided to start making it myself."

Burgess has a single plant in the home and does not distribute pot to anyone else.

The family was also open with neighbors about what was going on inside their home. A fact they admit might have led to the arrest.

Effective Treatment

Cannabis Oil, or CBD Oil, is becoming a frequently used medication to control seizures, and it has undergone scientific study. The National Academy of Sciences underwent the largest known study of the effects of pot on seizures and the results were promising. With 162 patients experiencing frequent seizures, 99% were treated with CBD, 36.5% reported a drastic drop in seizure frequency with some even becoming seizure free.

Marijuana is legal in 8 states and the District of Columbia.

Facing Years In Prison

Despite over 20% of Americans living in a state with legal marijuana, Burgess faces years in prison. He says that regardless of what happens in the courts he and his family plan to move to Colorado when their son is done high school.

Still it comes too late for Burgess.

"No matter what happens, I will have this on my record and will be considered a criminal," said Burgess.

Do you think he's a criminal? Let us know!