Legislators Introduce Bill To Allow Growth And Sale Of Medical Marijuana

Caption

Lawmakers and medical marijuana patients gather at the State Capitol to introudce a new bill. / Georgia Public Broadcasting

State lawmakers filed a bill Thursday to give patients access to medical marijuana.

Cannabis for medical purposes is legal in Georgia, but it isn't legal to grow, buy or sell the plant here. The legislation would establish license for five large and five small growers and 10 retailers.

Jennifer Goble of Woodstock says she has to go across state lines to get medical cannabis for her 17-year-old son, who was on several anti-psychotic medicines before turning to cannabis oil.

"We've seen life changing effects,” Goble said. “He used to have violent melt downs anywhere from maybe three to five (times) a week and since we've started him on the cannabis oil it's maybe one or two a month."

But Goble is worried the bill could be too restrictive. That could be by design.

Rep. Micah Gravley (R-Douglasville) said that in the past people questioned whether allowing medical uses would lead to legalizing recreational use.

“If we were to allow families or individuals to possess it the next step would be recreational and that did not happen,” Gravley said.

He also emphasized this bill wouldn’t do that either.  

“There is no appetite in the state of Georgia for the recreational use for marijuana,” he said.  “It’s not going to happen in the House chamber; it’s not going to happen in the Senate chamber.”

The bill would establish an oversight board and office of control.