Pubdate: Mon, 17 Nov 2014
Source: Rome News-Tribune (GA)
Copyright: 2014 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.romenews-tribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1716
Author: Christina A. Cassidy, Associated Press
Page: 5A

GA. LAWMAKERS PRESS FORWARD ON MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGISLATION

Atlanta (AP) - While an effort to bring a form of medical marijuana 
to Georgia garnered bipartisan support during the most recent 
legislative session, hurdles remain as lawmakers prepare to make 
another attempt at passing the legislation next year.

A bill is being drafted after a series of committee hearings and 
included testimony from leaders within the law enforcement and 
medical communities who raised concerns about the use of medical 
cannabis even under narrow circumstances. Meanwhile, progress is 
being made in terms of bringing clinical trials to Georgia, but 
advocates warn that will not be enough to help all those who see the 
drug as their best hope to manage debilitating conditions.

"I don't think any of us are opposed to finding out how effective it 
is or how it works, but let's have compassionate use with it as 
well," said Bob Kutchback, whose young granddaughter suffers from a 
rare disorder that causes severe seizures.

Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, took the lead earlier this year in 
fighting to allow the use of cannabidiol, a marijuana derivative low 
in the psychoactive compound that makes users feel high, by children 
suffering from certain seizure disorders. His bill ultimately failed 
amid some last-minute maneuvering on unrelated legislation.

Peake said recently he expects to have a draft bill soon and it will 
allow for a limited number of businesses to obtain a state license to 
grow and process marijuana for the sole purpose of providing the 
cannabis oil under a system in which people of all ages with certain 
medical conditions would be able to obtain it under the supervision 
of a doctor. The amount of the psychoactive compound known as 
tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, would be limited and facilities would 
be subject to regulations, lab testing and security measures.

"I feel very confident that my colleagues want to move forward with a 
public policy that provides a very tightly restricted, very regulated 
delivery system for cannabis oil in Georgia," Peake said, adding he's 
aware of 15 families who have left Georgia for Colorado and other 
states for access to the cannabis oil and three children have died 
while lawmakers have been debating the issue. "We can't move fast enough."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom