The Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis is set to have its final hearing on the issue of medical marijuana this week. The commission has been taking input from patients, law enforcement officials, doctors and those in the industry on the issue for the past two years. The commission will soon present Georgia Governor Nathan Deal with a proposal, although Deal has come out publicly against medical marijuana legalization.
Last week Gov. Deal told lawmakers he would veto any legislation that would legalize the in-state production of cannabis and low-THC oils for medical use.
Despite the mounting evidence that supports medical marijuana Deal said that “I still don’t think we have sufficient information or ability to control something of that nature if we start production and processing here in our state.”
Deal’s claims that the state doesn’t have the resources to control such a system likely stem from the reports of law enforcement officials who toured Colorado’s recreational program with the commission. But Colorado’s system is a far cry from what the commission has proposed — a relatively restrictive program that would focus on low-THC oils. Deal is mistaken to compare the two.
Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon), who co-chairs the commission, pressured Gov. Deal to look at programs in states such as Minnesota, which has created a functional restrictive medical marijuana program. “I am absolutely convinced that we can offer a model that would calm the fears of law enforcement and minimize any public safety issues,” said Peake.
Photo Credit: Peter Stevens