Georgia’s Senate has passed legislation that would add autism to the medical cannabis qualifying conditions list in the state, but also drops the allowable maximum THC levels in cannabis oil from 5 percent to 3 percent, according to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report. Advocates have warned that the measure, sponsored by Republican state Sen. Ben Watson, would alienate dozens of families who are using cannabis products allowed under the state’s current laws.
The proposal aims to put the state’s regulations more in line with those in other states that permit low-THC cannabis oil for medical purposes; however, according to the report, there have been no issues with the program in its current form. Advocates and doctors, though, have said that the low-dose oil currently permitted doesn’t work for everybody and some patients respond better to products with higher THC percentages.
Watson, who is a medical doctor, also called on the federal government to reconsider cannabis’ Schedule I classification under the Controlled Substances Act, saying that rescheduling would allow for more studies and flexibility for sanctioning its use medically.
“To say cannabidiol has no medicinal value is just not true,” Watson said in the report.
The bill moves next to the House, who are also considering legislation to expand the qualifying conditions approved for medical cannabis use, and another that would allow in-state medical cannabis production. Both of those measures are sponsored by Republican state Rep. Allen Peake.