Author: JoeHann

Today, during a hearing on Georgia House Bill 722, the House Judiciary Committee slammed the doors on a bill that would have allowed for the cultivation of cannabis for medicine. It was a huge disappointment for Georgia advocates of cannabis medicine. The bill survived but the heart of the bill, in-state cultivation, was ripped out.

HB-722 was a follow up bill to HB-1 that passed in the 2015 legislative session. The bill allows some patients to possess cannabis extracts. The problem is there is no legal supply of the oils in Georgia. Patients must obtain a card then import the oil from other states in violation of federal laws.

“I feel like cast of ‘The Walking Dead,’” Peake told the committee. “I must look like I’ve been disemboweled here.”

James Bell, director of Georgia C.A.R.E. Project, said Governor Deal and House members have betrayed the people of Georgia by passing a law (HB 1) that does little to help those who can benefit from the medicine.

“We were told from the start that Gov. Deal was going to order them to kill the bill”, Bell said. “Republican leaders were just following orders.”

Bell said supporters will continue to advocate for better legislation and look forward the the 2016 – 2018 elections.

“Cannabis will be a major issue in the up-coming elections”, Bell said. “We want to put each candidate on record as to where their stand on reform issues.”

The committee will hold yet another hearing to finalize the the compromise.

According to Committee Chairman, Rep. Rich Golick, R-Smyrna, the revised version of HB-722 is something he expects to pass the committee and the house. The bill still has to go to the senate for debate and approval and a signature of the governor.

“In this building, politics is the art of the possible,” said Golick, speaking to his committee meeting in the basement of the state Capitol.

A bill was filed by Rep. LaDawn Jones (D-62nd) last week removing arrest for possession of one (1) ounce or less of marijuana. House Bill 1046 would replace arrest with citations and fines. Current law allows for arrest, booking and bail for what is considered a misdemeanor. Conviction under Georgia code allows for up to 12 months in jail and a $1000 fine.

Georgia C.A.R.E. Project supports this bill and encourages its passage.

Georgia makes more than 30,000 arrests for marijuana each year. This bill will reduce some of the harm created by prohibition.

HB-1046 allows for the following:
(A) For a first violation, a fine not to exceed $250.00 and a clinical evaluation and, if recommended as a part of such evaluation, completion of a substance abuse treatment program; provided, however, that in the court’s discretion such evaluation and treatment may be waived;
(B) For a second violation, a fine not to exceed $500.00
(C) For a third and for subsequent violations, a fine not to exceed $750.00

Atlanta GA: We are pleased to announce the formation of Georgia Hemp Industries Association, Inc. (GHIA), a trade organization focusing on the development of industrial hemp farming and related products and industries.

GHIA was established by James Bell of Georgia C.A.R.E. Project, a cannabis advocacy group, to focus specifically on industrial hemp and to separate the issues of “marijuana” from its cousin “hemp”.

GHIA was formed in response to the growing interest in hemp as a commercial crop. Nine States are currently growing hemp, another 19 have passed legislation and many others are considering legislation.

In Georgia, lawmakers filed House Bill 704 in 2015 which would allow for experimental hemp farming in compliance with federal rules. (AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 2014)

What is hemp? Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of the cannabis plant that is 0.30% THC or less. Hemp will NOT get a person high.

Tom McCain from Soperton GA, a retired law enforcement officer and CEO of GHIA, said he wanted to establish the advocacy group to help educate lawmakers, farmers, investors, manufacturers and consumers about the multiple uses of the cannabis plant and to advocate for the advancement of related industries.

“Hemp has been used by mankind for thousands of years”, said McCain. “As federal laws are enacted to allow for the re-development of this agricultural crop, Georgia needs to take advantage of the law to develop what I believe could be a new billion-dollar crop for Georgia. With more than $800 million of hemp being imported into the US, we want the opportunity to cultivate this valuable crop right here in Georgia.”

McCain said hemp can be utilized for its fiber, seed, seed oil, protein and cellulose to produce building materials, bio-mass fuel, biodegradable plastics, textiles, food-stuffs and thousands of other products.