Pubdate: Thu, 16 Apr 2015
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2015 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28

GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL MAKING MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGAL IN GEORGIA

6 things to know now that medical marijuana is legal in Georgia

Senate to propose new medical marijuana plan Georgia State Rep. Allen
Peake, R-Macon shows a bottle of medical cannabis oil as he presents
his House Bill 1 on Feb. 3, 2015. BRANT SANDERLIN 1. House Bill 1 took effect immediately on Thursday, and makes it
legal for people in Georgia who suffer from eight illnesses to possess
up to 20 ounces of cannabis oil if a physician signs off.

2. The eight disorders are: cancer, Crohna=C2=80=C2=99s disease, Lou Gehr
iga=C2=80=C2=99s
disease, mitochondrial disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsona=C2=80=C2=99
s
disease, seizure disorders and sickle cell disease. The AJC in
February told the story of Blair Brown, a young mother battling grand
mal seizures for whom cannabis oil could be a ray of hope.

3. The administrative framework for doctors and patients should be in
place within two months, Gov. Nathan Deal said.

4. The law requires the oil contain no more than 5 percent THC, the
high-inducing chemical associated with recreational marijuana use. It
also legalizes clinical trials sought by some senators to further
study how the drug works.

5. You can't cultivate the oil in Georgia, so interested citizens will
have to obtain it in states where home cultivation is legal, such as
Colorado. Legalizing home cultivation is Georgia is seen by some
advocates as the next legislative step.

6. Travel to and from such states will be tricky, as marijuana
possession is still illegal in many states, including every one of
Georgia's immediate neighbors.
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