Pubdate: Sat, 08 Feb 2014
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2014 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Aaron Gould Sheinin

MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL TO GET FIRST HEARING

Legislation that would allow limited use of medicine derived from 
marijuana will get its first public hearing Monday.

The House Health and Human Services Committee will hear testimony on 
House Bill 885.

Sponsored by Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, the bill would create a 
complex system that would ultimately allow access to cannabis oil to 
patients who suffer from certain types of seizures. The oil has shown 
to be effective in easing certain seizure disorders.

The bill has proven both controversial and emotional. Many of the 
patients who could benefit are young children. Peake, who calls 
himself an unlikely sponsor of the bill, became convinced there is an 
urgent need for the bill after meeting one young seizure sufferer in Macon.

The hearing begins at 3 p.m. in Room 606 of the Coverdell Legislative 
Office Building, across the street from the Capitol.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom