Peake has taken on the medical cannabis issue over the past several years with some success. The successful House Bill 1 allows some patients to use low-THC cannabis oil. However, no legal supply of the medicine was, or is, as of yet, available in Georgia.

As a result, many families are now in the difficult position of having to violate state law in order to import medicine.

Georgia CARE Project (Campaign for Access, Reform and Education) supports a ballot initiative that takes the issue directly to the public, in order to resolve this issue.

According to James Bell, Director of Georgia CARE, the public understands the issue and can make a rational decision on their own.

“We know there is huge support amongst the public and General Assembly”, Bell said. A recent Atlanta Journal Constitution poll found that 71% of Georgians support the expansion of medical marijuana. “They trust us to vote for them each election cycle. Therefore they should trust us to make a decision on the medical cannabis issue.”

Bell points out that Gov. Deal and his floor leaders push back on in-state cultivation, claiming the industries are unable to keep cultivation under control. This is in contrast to the dozens of states that currently produce cannabis. Experience shows us that producers and regulators can effectively track the plant from seed to patient.

Looking Forward

“Both medical cannabis and ‘recreational’ cannabis will be legal. It’s not a matter of if, but when. These are two separate issues that deserve separate consideration. One issue should not disqualify the debate over the other. We want all issues on the table. Decriminalization and harm reduction through criminal justice reform is the first step,” Bell said.

Georgia CARE Project focuses on three areas of reform: criminal justice, medicinal cannabis, and industrial hemp.

The post Georgia Medical Marijuana Reform in 2017: appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

We are so glad to hear these questions! They are the exact questions anyone who wants to see legal reforms should ask, and we’re here to answer them.

The answers, which we have explained below, are why we do the work that we do, and why we need your support.

Below are answers to these questions along with explanations so you can understand exactly how things work in Georgia. We’ve taken some of this info from Ballotpedia, which is also a good source to check out for political info on Georgia and elsewhere.

Q: Why isn’t there anything on the ballot about cannabis legalization?

A: Because Georgia legislators decided against including it on the ballot.

In Georgia, “the legislature can put a proposed amendment on the ballot upon a two-thirds majority vote in both the legislative chambers.”

This means the Georgia State Senate and the Georgia State House of Representatives must both vote on including the amendment on the ballot. AND at least two-thirds (2/3) of both chambers must approve the decision in order for it to be included.

The voting does not rely upon a simple majority of 51% but a “supermajority” rule of two-thirds. That means 120 votes in the House and 38 votes in the Senate.

Q: What about the ballot measure that was proposed in 2015?

A: The ballot measure did not pass both chambers in 2015. It was not reintroduced in 2016.

Senator Curt Thompson of District 5 introduced Senate Resolution 6 on November 24, 2014. This submitted the ballot for consideration in the 2015-2016 session. It did not pass both chambers and was not reintroduced after its failure to pass.

It can be reintroduced again, but it will require support from more legislators to pass.

Q: What about Washington, D.C.? They petitioned to vote on the issue.

A: Georgia’s constitution “does not currently allow for any form of citizen initiated ballot measures, so all ballot measures must be referred by the legislature.”

The District of Columbia allows for “citizen initiated ballot measures.” This means if enough citizens sign a petition in support of an initiative, the issue will be placed on the ballot and it does not require the legislature’s approval. The legislature still has the power to introduce ballot measures but citizens can bypass them and force the issue to a vote.

This is a powerful form of direct democracy. However, it is not something that is allowed in Georgia’s constitution. This means it is not an option for cannabis legalization.

Instead, one or more Georgia legislators must sponsor the ballot measure in order for it to go to a vote in the two chambers. Then, each chamber must vote in support of the ballot measure (at least 2/3 as described above) in order for it to be included on the ballot on election day.

This means Georgia must approach things differently than Washington, D.C. and hey, we’ve been doing things differently for years!

Q: So – what do we do to see a ballot measure for cannabis legalization in the future?

A: We have to lobby Georgia legislators of both parties, in the House and the Senate, to make them understand the majority of Georgians support reform and want to vote on a ballot measure.

Beyond that, we have to elect representatives who are ready to support this issue.

This is where the Georgia CARE Project and our partners come into the picture.

It is our job to talk with legislators in both chambers and explain the merits of these legal reforms.

We advocate for these issues on your behalf. As part of our #40DaysCampaign, we want to be present for all forty days of the legislative session. Legislators need to hear our message on cannabis legalization every single day. You can support that initiative by pledging to support a day or more of lobbying.

We will help organize Georgians to reach out to their representatives to let them know we want to see change. This shows them we want representatives who understand how important this issue is for the future of our state.

We have also recently launched a City by City initiative to push forward cannabis legalization reform on the local, city level across Georgia.

The post Why Isn’t Georgia Voting on Cannabis Legalization? appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

“They have pulled the wool over our eyes and pulled the rug out from under the citizens of Georgia that support medical marijuana”, said James Bell director of Georgia C.A.R.E. Project. “They have betrayed the will and desire of the people of Georgia with their political shenanigans.”

Until last Friday (Jan. 9), advocates were being told by Rep. Allen Peake that medical marijuana was on track for the 2015 legislative session. But Deal and Peake has agreed upon a back room deal undermining the efforts.

Instead of a bill allowing for cannabis cultivation and formulation of cannabis extracts in-state, the new version according to Peake and Deal would offer some form of “immunity” from prosecution for certain people able to smuggle the CBD/THC extracts from other states. This was revealed Friday in controlled public relations event staged in the governors office with a reporter from WSB TV news.

“Disappointment does not describe our feeling in this matter”, said James Bell. “The least we expected was a fair hearing on HB-1 during the session. Instead, Allen Peake gave into the demands of Gov. Deal and left the sick children to deal with their medical conditions on their own. Lawmakers look to states like Colorado for the answer but refuse to implement a similar policy.”

According to Bell, Allen Peake is setting up patients to violate federal and other state’s laws concerning possessing and transporting a controlled substance across state lines. Patients and parents would essentially become drug smugglers and only certain people would be immune from prosecution.

Georgia C.A.R.E. encourages the public to abandon Allen Peake’s efforts with HB-1 and focus attention on Senate Bill 7 authored by Sen. Curt Thompson (D).

“We know the general assembly supports medical cannabis, we know the public overwhelmingly supports it, so why did Allen Peake cave into the demands of the governor? POLITICS !”

The post Governor Nathan Deal Kills Medical Marijuana Bill appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

That may seem normal for a tot his age, but Kason has a very young life that is not so normal. He has a neurological disease called Ohtahara Syndrome that is characterized by seizures that can number from 10 to 75 a day.

Many infants with Ohtahara Syndrome do not even make it to their first birthday. But Kason is beating the odds, according to his father Jonathan, who says Kason is improving lately with only a few seizures a week.

Jiles, a Villa Rica resident, said his son is on a special ketogenic diet, and some changes to his medication regimen have helped. Another thing that could help Kason is cannabis oil. It could reduce his number of seizures and improve his quality of life dramatically.

Medical marijuana nearly passed the Georgia General Assembly in 2014, but got caught up in political wrangling in the final hours of the 40-day session.

As legislators get ready to head back to Atlanta for the start of the 2015 session Monday, there are already several bills being talked about that could legalize cannabis oil and give the Jiles family and others like them the relief they’re looking for.

Jiles said last month that he prefers Senate Bill 7 over the House Bill 1.

“After reading HB 1, I am somewhat disappointed in what I have read so far,” Jiles said in an email recently. “Nearly all Georgia families currently in Colorado are presently using THC alongside CBD oils to control seizures. I believe HB 1 as written is too restrictive to be effective legislation for Georgia families. Sen. Curt Thompson, D-Norcross, has pre-filed a bill, SB 7, which I believe is much closer to the legislation that exists in states where Georgia families are currently moving to provide life-saving medication to their children.”
Jiles’ comments came before changes announced late last Friday by HB 1’s primary sponsor, Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon.

In a press release, Peake said he met Friday with Gov. Nathan Deal regarding his medical cannabis legislation.

“I have been in intense conversations with the governor over the last several days about HB 1, and I view today’s progress as a huge step in the right direction,” Peake said. “After much discussion, it is clear that we need to conduct more research on setting an in-state growing scenario in order to provide the best and most effective infrastructure for our citizens. Last year, I made a promise to bring our families home and to give Georgians a chance to obtain cannabis oil in our state without fear of prosecution, and this has remained a priority. The changes that we have agreed upon for HB 1 vary slightly from the original version, but the bottom line is that we will be bringing Georgia families back home.”

Proposed changes to HB 1 include immediate decriminalization, upon the governor’s signature of HB 1, for possession of cannabis oil containing between 3-5 percent THC for individuals with certain medical conditions who have obtained the cannabis legally in another state. Also included in the changes to HB 1 is the creation of a council whose sole charge will be to examine the future establishment of a regulatory model for an in-state growth and distribution infrastructure in Georgia. The committee will also be charged with making its recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 31, 2015.

“With this news, I am happy to say that our medical refugees in other states can start packing to come home and reunite with their families,” Peake continued. “Once the updated legislation is formally introduced and passed by both House and Senate chambers, decimalization would be effective as soon as the governor signs HB 1 into law. Families in Georgia who are seeking medical cannabis will now be able to go to another state to legally obtain the treatment and then come back home without fear of being prosecuted in Georgia. The Journey of Hope Fund will still be operating to help Georgians travel to other states to legally obtain this treatment. We are headed down the right path in Georgia, and I thank Governor Deal for his support of this newly proposed version of the legislation.”

But while Peake lauded the proposed changes to HB 1, Jiles said Saturday the changes only strengthen his support of SB 7.

“‘More research’ of in-state growth means only one thing — no in-state growth,” Jiles said. “Without in-state growth there is no safe access to medicinal cannabis in Georgia. Period. There is no third option.

Representative Peake’s statements that Georgia families will now ‘be able to go to another state to legally obtain the treatment and then come back home without fear of being prosecuted in Georgia’ ignores the fact that doing this is against both federal drug trafficking laws as well as against the law in Colorado. This does not even address the fact that dispensary owners in Colorado will not sell to those who they know are living out of state, thereby requiring the patient to lie about their address to a dispensary, which, like taking cannabis outside the state, is against Colorado law. It is also noteworthy that through the act of taking medicinal cannabis outside the state, the patient is putting the license of the dispensary at risk.
Jiles continued: “I have no desire to be encouraged to be a drug runner, when the possibility of having medicine in a controlled environment can happen right here in Georgia.”

Thompson pre-filed legislation that would legalize medical marijuana, along with a separate measure that would legalize and regulate marijuana retail sales to adults.

“Few would disagree that physicians need every good tool in their medical toolbox to provide the best health care possible to their patients,” Thompson said. “Whether that tool is a new diagnostic test, a new antibiotic or a form of proven pain reliever, doctors need the ability to provide the best possible short and long-term health care for their patients. SB 7 is designed to do just that.”

Thompson’s SB 7 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 chronic or debilitating conditions that cause Cachexia (wasting syndrome), severe and chronic pain, severe nausea and seizures/muscle spasms from epilepsy or MS. 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.

In addition, Thompson has filed Senate Resolution 6 to advance the conversation of marijuana use. This constitutional amendment, if approved by voters, 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. Many other states have passed similar measures.

Thompson said the retail marijuana would co-exist with, not replace, medical marijuana. SB 7 includes lengthy requirements about licensing facilities, excise taxes and fees, and the creation of a state authority to regulate the sales. SR 6, while separate from medical marijuana treatment, puts the discussion of retail marijuana regulation and taxation on the table.

Thompson said SR 6 provides an opportunity to regulate sales and to make available another revenue stream without raising existing taxes.

The post In Support of Georgia Senate Bill 7 – Sen. Curt Thompson appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Georgia C.A.R.E. will continue to fight and advocate for legal marijuana and medicine for these in need.

The post Breaking News: Gov Deal slams door on medical marijuana for 2015 appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

“Marijuana is a popular issue around the country right now, and we are here to basically bring public attention to the fact that we are not criminals and people who use marijuana are no more criminal than a person who drinks wine,” said James Bell, director of the Georgia Campaign for Access Reform and Education Project.

The rally was facilitated by the Georgia CARE Project.

Bell said he expected up to 50 people, from different areas of Georgia and other states, to attend the event.

One study found approximately 60 percent of likely voters support marijuana reform, Bell said.

“Public sentiment has changed,” he said. “We believe there is support on our side, and we want to convince our lawmakers that we have got to change these laws.”

The post Georgia CARE Rallies for Marijuana Legalization Athens City Hall appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

“HB-885 sets up yet another black market and jeopardizes the freedom of those seeking legal medicine”, Bell said. “We need to legalize cultivation of cannabis in Georgia. We need comprehensive legislation that removes cannabis from the criminal elements.”

Georgia CARE grudgingly supported HB-885 in hope that it would spark debate and culminate in a bill that would provide legal access. Instead, HB-885 is so restrictive that even sponsors say it may never get cannabis into the hands of patients.

Bell said after reading Senator Thompson’s 24 page bill (SB-432) he will focus his attention on the 2015 legislative session and begin to work toward a better bill that allows for legal cultivation, dispensing and doctors recommendations for cannabis use.

“Putting patients in criminal jeopardy is no solution to this issue. Lawmakers seem willing to entertain a broader, more comprehensive approach to cannabis therapeutics. We cannot look to states like Colorado for a solution and then turn a blind eye to a similar legislative model”, said Bell.

Georgia CARE Project advocates for marijuana law reform including decriminalization, medicalization and cultivation of industrial hemp. For more information visit www.gacareproject.com .

The post Georgia CARE Focuses On New Legislation SB-432 appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

The post 11 Alive Reports on Marijuana Legislation appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Atlanta GA: Two medical patients from Atlanta have applied to the Georgia Composite Medical Board to participate in a Cannabis research program. “The Medical Marijuana Necessities Act” was establish by the Georgia General Assembly in 1980. Formerly called the “Controlled Substance Therapeutic Research Act”. The research program only covers cancer and glaucoma research. Georgia code O.C.G.A. 43-34-121

Patient #1 “David” has a history of colon cancer and was recently operated on to remove cancer from his lung and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. David approached Georgia CARE Project for assistance in the research program application.

Patient #2 “Julie” suffers from Glaucoma and has had an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve implanted that she says is not working to relive pressure in her eye. She is asking to participate in the marijuana research to see if she can save her eye sight.

Cannabis advocate James Bell, director of the Georgia CARE Project (Campaign for Access, Reform & Education), said they are waiting on a response from the medical board concerning the two requests.

“The program is a matter of law’ Bell said. “Patients who can benefit from a natural medicine should be able to have safe and legal access.”

Bell points out that the medical board in 2011 placed a call to Georgia doctors soliciting participation in the Patient Qualification Review Board. The board would review and patients for the program.

“It is now well documented that cannabis (marijuana) have proven medical benefits and can be safely be used to treat numerous conditions, not just cancer and glaucoma” Bell said. “We need the medical board to make this a priority issue and help advance cannabis therapeutics here is Georgia.”

Twenty states and the District of Columbia have medical marijuana laws and New York is set to be the next state to provide the medicine.

Georgia CARE is working with legislators on introducing more comprehensive legislation that will expand the current program.

Georgia CARE Project was established in 2012 as an advocacy group geared toward educating the public, media and legislators on medical marijuana, criminal justice reform and commercial hemp cultivation.

The post Georgia Medical Patients Apply for Marijuana Research Program appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

James Bell, director of the Georgia C.A.R.E. Project (Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform & Education) issued a warning claiming the media is helping to perpetuate misinformation that the designer drugs, known by such names as “Spice”, “K2”, “Crazy Clown” are similar to and mimics natural cannabis. Bell said these claims are not true.

According to Bell, the history of the synthetic chemical goes back to Dr. Richard Huffman who created the compounds, JWH-018 and JWH-073 at Clemson University under a research program that began in 1997. The program was funded by the National Institute for Drug Abuse to study the effects Cannabinoids on the brain. The chemical compounds were rediscovered by designer drug makers in Europe and spread to America and around the world. China has become a major manufacturer of the chemicals.

In recent years, the Georgia General Assembly has been attempting to outlaw the chemicals, but designer drug makers continue to change the molecular structure of the compounds in an attempt to get around the laws. The chemical is sprayed on a plant material, packaged and sold in smoke shops and convenient stores as “potpourri” or “incense”. The plant material is smoked with often serious and sometime deadly side effects.

“Warning: This synthetic poison is not marijuana (cannabis). It is not synthetic THC. It is a man made chemical that is not for human consumption”, warned James Bell.

Bell is asking the media, law enforcement and the public to make it clear to anyone considering using this poison that it is not marijuana and does not mimic the effects of natural cannabis.

“Because this chemical is not regulated or tested and can vary in strength, the effects can range from little effect to serious adverse mental and physical effects including vomiting, psychosis and heart attacks. Some suicides have been reported after smoking the substance”, Bell said.

Dr. Huffman was quoted as saying “People who use it are idiots”. Bell said while some users may be idiots, the public is being misinformed about what this poison really is.

“Often the media will describe the compound as “synthetic marijuana” when it has little relationship to the natural plant”, Bell said. “People have smoked cannabis with little or no harmful effects and expect the same results from this designer drug. I spoke with an emergency room practitioner who said in over ten years in practice he has never seen a toxic reaction to natural cannabis admitted to his ER.”

Marijuana law reform advocates are concerned that the misrepresentation of the designer drug (poison) may hurt their efforts to educate the public on the legal reform of the natural plant.

Currently 20 states and the District of Columbia have enacted medical marijuana laws and two states have legalized cannabis. This means around 50 percent of Americans live under some form of marijuana legalization.

Georgia passed a medical marijuana research law in 1980 but the program was halted.

The post Georgia CARE Issues Warning on Fake Pot – “Synthetic Marijuana” appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.