Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jan 2014
Source: Rome News-Tribune (GA)
Copyright: 2014 Rome News-Tribune
Contact:  http://www.romenews-tribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1716
Author: Christina A. Cassidy, Associated Press
Page: 7A

GOP LAWMAKER INTRODUCES GA. MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

ATLANTA (AP) - An effort to bring medical marijuana to Georgia under
certain circumstances gained momentum Tuesday, as more than 80
lawmakers signed on to sponsor a bill introduced by a member of the
Republican House leadership.

In introducing the bill, Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, was joined by
parents of children suffering from medical conditions who say the use
of cannabis oil could ease their children's symptoms and improve their
quality of life.

"It will be a monumental task to get this bill done," said Peake, who
serves as secretary/treasurer for the House Majority Caucus. "But if
we can do it this session, for these parents and these kids, it will
be worth every ounce of political influence I have to get it done."

Peake said the bill, known as "Haleigh's Hope Act," would revive a
long-dormant research program allowing academic institutions to
distribute medical marijuana to those suffering from specific medical
conditions. Haleigh Cox is a young girl who suffers from a medical
condition that causes severe seizures, and Peake was spurred to draft
the bill after meeting with her and her parents.

The effort has grown as families have united to petition lawmakers to
support the bill. Corey Lowe, a former police officer, was among three
families who joined Peake at the Capitol on Tuesday. Lowe's
12-year-old daughter, Victoria, was diagnosed with mitochondrial
disease and can have as many as 100 seizures a day if not controlled.

"It's a start, and that's all we are asking for is a start, to provide
some relief for our children and grandchildren," Lowe said. "As their
parents, we are here to fight for our children."

A state law passed in 1980 established the academic research program
allowing for the limited use of medical marijuana for those diagnosed
with glaucoma and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and
radiation, but the program ceased soon after when the federal
government stopped delivery of legal cannabis, according to a
legislative research memo.

The proposed bill would add seizures to the list of medical conditions
allowed in the program, and Peake said the cannabis oil being
distributed would be "limited in scope, tightly restricted, well
regulated and managed by doctors." The drug would be administered
orally in a liquid form, and Peake was adamant that it would not open
the door to widespread, recreational use of marijuana in the state.

"I am concerned as anyone that we would get to a slippery slope of a
broader scope of marijuana use in the state," Peake said. "I promise
you I will fight that with every bit of energy in me. I promise you,
this is not legalized marijuana for recreational use. We are not going
down that path."

Peake said he has received the support of the Medical Association of
Georgia, the largest group of physicians in the state, and does not
expect to see opposition from law enforcement groups. Twenty states
provide some form of access to medical marijuana, Peake said.

On the long list of bill co-sponsors were Rep. John Meadows, chairman
of the Rules Committee, which sets the daily agenda in the House, and
Rep. Wendell Willard, chair of the House Judiciary Committee.

"It's been proven medically that this has a benefit for those
individuals who are suffering from seizures," Willard said. "If that
can bring some relief, I think it would be appropriate to address that
with an exception in the law."

Shannon and Blaine Cloud, whose 8year-old daughter Alaina suffers
from seizures, said they were surprised by how quickly the effort has
gained momentum in the past three weeks.

"We're thankful that a lot of these representatives' hearts have been
touched by our children," said Shannon Cloud. "And, truly, they want
to help and they want to do the right thing and they want to make sure
our kids get the medicine we know can give them a better quality of
life."
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