Category: Marijuana Legalization Issues

    NORML Marijuana Rally Brings Light to Marijuana Legalization

    On February 10, 2015, N.O.R.M.L. hosted the Rally for Peace, Justice & Unity in Atlanta to call attention to the re-legalization of whole plant cannabis (marijuana) for medicine and relaxation. Attended by more than 100 supporters, the media was focused on 75 year old glaucoma patient Elvy Musikka, one of only four remaining federal medical marijuana patients.

    Georgia C.A.R.E. is proud to have sponsored bringing Elvy to town for this event.

    Elvy’s day started at 6 am with a studio interview with WXIA 11 Alive morning show. She later did numerous interviews and shared her personal story.

    Elvy joined a group of activists making their rounds through the capitol, dropping off information to legislators as part of Georgia C.A.R.E. 3rd Annual Cannabis Awareness Day.

    During several media interview Elvy held a container of cannabis cigarettes. This may have been the first time in the history of the Gold Dome to have marijuana publicly displayed.

    Just before the rally at 1 pm, Elvy walked to the Liberty Plaza sidewalk to medicate as media cameras and reporters followed. She opened a large child-proof container and pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. After a deep inhale and a few puffs she scratched the cigarette out on the sidewalk as capitol police walked by and ignored the media show. She then gave the media a lesson on medical marijuana.

    James Bell, Georgia C.A.R.E. director said he wanted to bring Elvy to Atlanta to demonstrate that whole plant marijuana can be safely used and transported by a patient. Elvy flew into town with a canister of 300 federally approved pre-rolled cigarettes. She is permitted and has credentials showing federal approval.

    Prompted by a CBS 46 reporter “So Uncle Sam is your dealer?”, “Uncle Sam is my provider”, Elvy responded.

    “She came to Atlanta and the sky did not fall, no one was hurt, no one arrested, and life goes on”, said James Bell. “Unfortunately, she is one one of four who can legally do this in America.”

    In Georgia, possession of the amount of marijuana (28 grams or more) given to her by the federal government carries a sentience of up to 10 years in state prison.

    Bell said Georgia is headed in the wrong direction with medical marijuana.

    “We need in-state cultivation, whole plant medicine and we need to let doctors determine how to administer cannabis to patients, not people wearing badges and hand cuffs”, said Bell

    The history of medical marijuana in Georgia goes back to 1979 – 1980 with the passage of a marijuana research act that included treatment for glaucoma and cancer therapy. More than 100 patients were under this program in Georgia. The research was halted when the feds cut off the legal supply, the same source that currently provide Elvy with her medicine – the University of Mississippi and the Research Triangle.

    Rally speakers also pushed for out right legalization of marijuana. “Marijuana is not a crime, we are not criminals” proclaimed James Bell from the microphone.

    Other guests included representative from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (L.E.A.P.), Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and a special guest State Senator Curt Thompson who has filed Senate Bill 7 and Senate Resolution 6 that would allow in-state cultivation and whole plant medicine and a constitution amendment to be voted on by the public legalizing marijuana.

    Georgia C.A.R.E. would like to thank Sharon Ravert and Peachtree N.O.R.M.L. for hosting the event and everyone who made this possible. We would also like to thank the activists who came out to lobby and support Cannabis Awareness Day. You have made a big impact.

    The legalization movement is alive and well in Georgia.

      Full Legalization Bills Pre-Filed for 2015 Legislative Session SR-6 SB-7

      (APN) ATLANTA — Once again, Georgia will be among many U.S. states considering medicinal cannabis, or marijuana, in 2015.

      Up for consideration in Georgia are a total of three pre-filed bills: State Rep. Allen Peake’s (R-Macon) House Bill 1, and State Sen. Curt Thompson’s Senate Bill 7 and Senate Resolution 6.

      SB 7 and HB 1 are medicinal marijuana programs, while SR 6 is Thompson’s attempt at full legalization.

      Both CBD and THC, or cannabinoids, offer great benefits for patients suffering from a vast array of aliments.  The cannabinoid THC, however, contains psychoactive properties, whereas CBD’s do not.

      “Regardless of someone’s socio-economic level, they should have access to medicines that can help them; their quality of life is the issue here,” Thompson told Atlanta Progressive News. “This will be modeled after the Arizona program.”

        Georgia Sen. Curt Thompson On Marijuana Benefits

        Few would disagree that physicians need every good tool in their medical toolbox to provide the best short and long-term health care to their patients — whether that tool is a new diagnostic test, a new antibiotic or a form of proven pain reliever.

        During the 2015 legislative session, we will have the opportunity to provide our doctors with an additional tool, by legalizing marijuana for medical use. This summer, a joint study committee examined the options for legalizing marijuana, and already, three bipartisan bills have been filed.

        I have authored SB 7, which would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana of up to two ounces for specific debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Chrone’s Disease, Alzheimer’s and the chronic or debilitating condition that cause Cachexia (wasting syndrome), severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, and seizures/muscle spasms from epilepsy or multiple sclerosis.

        SB 7 also includes a number of common-sense limitations and guardrails for dispensing the drug. Marijuana, like any other prescription drug, would be regulated.

        To advance the conversation of marijuana use, I have also authored SR 6, a measure that would legalize, regulate and tax the sale of retail marijuana through licensed establishments. The tax collections would be constitutionally earmarked for education and transportation infrastructure. The resolution, if passed, would allow for a referendum in 2016 on amending the state Constitution to allow full legalization of marijuana, including recreational use.

        If approved by voters, retail marijuana would co-exist with, not replace, medical marijuana. SR 6 includes lengthy requirements about licensing facilities, excise taxes and fees, and the creation of a state authority to regulate the sales.

        Our discussions of marijuana in Georgia — in its many forms — have been largely limited to children’s health. While I adamantly support cannabis oil treatments for children with severe medical problems, I believe physicians should have the ability to care for all of their patients regardless of age, socio-economic status or where they live. SB 6 would provide doctors another tool for care and treatment, which we have learned varies depending on the nature of the illness.

        While injectable cannabidiol is a wonderful treatment for certain illnesses, it is not a complete medical package. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, is also the therapeutic chemical that treats glaucoma, cancer, HIV/AIDS, wasting diseases and numerous other conditions. Many of these conditions either do not have other available treatments on the market, or the available treatments have significant side effects. Failure to pass legislation that permits THC-containing treatments and all necessary forms of delivery would leave patients out in the cold. It is critical we pass legislation that allows for all medically sound uses of medical marijuana.

        SR 6 puts the discussion of retail marijuana regulation and taxation on the table. We have an opportunity in Georgia to regulate sales and make available another revenue stream without raising existing taxes. Several states have approved this option, and the revenue generated is so large, tax rebates to citizens are being considered.

        Legalizing and regulating marijuana also allows us to reduce the strain on our public safety system and jails. In 2010, for example, marijuana possession arrests accounted for over 65 percent of drug arrests in Georgia. There were over 32,000 arrests for marijuana possession in that year alone. Legalizing and regulating marijuana would free up law enforcement to focus on more dangerous drugs and save taxpayers money by significantly reducing the number of people in our state’s prisons and jails.

        Georgians will be hearing a great deal about these issues in the coming months, and citizens deserve a full exploration and debate by their elected officials. The legislation I have authored is in no way meant to supplant other legislation; it is meant to augment the discussion. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to advance the discussion of marijuana use and regulation and finding the best possible solution for Georgians.