Georgia Lawmaker Prefiles Medical Cannabis Bill

Georgia lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to legalize a form of medical cannabis.

State Rep Allen Peake, R-Macon, pre-filed a legislation that would allow residents to legally access a non-smokable medical marijuana with limited levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound in cannabis that makes users high. The legislative would allow individuals to obtain cannabidiol oil, a liquid medicine derived from cannabis, which would offer relief to individuals suffering from certain conditions.

Peake has dubbed the bill “Haleigh’s Hope Act,” named after a five-year old girl who has suffered from seizures. The details of the bill are still being worked out, however Peake said that it would legalize the cannabis oil for those who suffer from conditions such as seizure disorders, cancer and glaucoma.

Earlier this year, Peake fought to legalize the use of cannabidiol by children suffering from certain seizure disorders. However, the bill ultimately failed after stalling in the final hours due to last-minute changes that tied a Senate measure requiring autism treatment coverage for young children.

If Georgia passes the new legislation, it would join the more than 30 states with some form of marijuana law.

Without access to medical marijuana, some families have relocated to gain legal access to cannabis-based medications that have showed therapeutic benefit for various disease states, particularly in patients with severe seizure disorders. Peake said that he knows of at least 15 families that have left Georgia for other states. He also said that three children have died since the state lawmakers failed to pass the measure.

A joint legislative study committee has been researching the issue since August. Peake hopes to provide more details next month.

Last updated: 11/20/14; 12:15pm EST