As we go through the legislative process many have come forward to share the most personal aspects of their lives in an effort to educate lawmakers about the miracle medicine we call CANNABIS.

Bridgett Liquori is an outlaw, not that you’d know from looking at her. This petite 34-year-old single mother’s crime? She loves her children and is risking everything to keep them as happy, safe and healthy as possible.

If that means breaking  state and federal laws to get the medical cannabis her kids need to treat their daunting illnesses, then so be it.

“I never thought I’d be a marijuana activist,” says the self-described “Canna Mom” from Gwinnett County. “But this is about my kids so I really didn’t have much choice.”

Liquori is part of grassroots movement devoted to reforming Georgia’s restrictive and nonsensical medical cannabis laws. In between taking care of her kids, Liquori spends time testifying at the state capitol, working with pro-marijuana groups such as the Georgia CARE Project and writing her own blog about the benefits of medical cannabis. She’s also keeping a nervously watchful eye on how the newly minted Trump administration will handle the marijuana industry that’s growing like a weed nationwide.

A native of upstate New York, Liquori did not come by her marijuana activism easily.

“I was scared,” she said while watching her kids play at a park in Oakhurst on an unseasonably warm Saturday morning. “I was afraid of someone coming to my house and taking my kids away because I’m doing something illegal. Even though (medical cannabis) is beneficial and helpful to them, the fear was there. A lot of days it’s still there. I worry if someone is going to kick my door in.”

The post A mother’s love vs. Georgia’s “reefer madness” appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Cannabis in Georgia is considered as a drug. Speaking of restrictions, there is no casino for gambling, nor horse or dog tracks for sports betting. There are no roulette games in hotels nor slots machines in bars. However, you can safely circumvent the situation by playing on legal sites registered elsewhere in the USA. For example, you can sign up on many free online poker sites that are completely legitimate and safe. On top of that, many of them give out poker bonuses that make it easy for newcomers to get into the game quickly.

Most of the states in the Southern United States are more opposed to marijuana and gambling, compared to other parts of the US. Mainly this is thanks to the mostly conservative population and conservative politics of the governor in the Peach State. Georgia care project marijuana legalization was canceled after a couple of weeks because cannabis is considered as a drug.

As we said earlier, there are no casinos for playing slots games, nor events for sports betting. The only thing available in the form of gambling in Georgia is playing the lottery. All other players with a competitive spirit, will have to try their luck on the internet, with online casinos. There are tons of online casinos that offer no deposit bonus and fun games with different themes for everyone. One of the most popular online casinos that offer these bonuses is Jackpot Capital. It’s fully open to players from the USA, and it’s perfect for new players offering many different bonuses depending on their needs. If you love to play casino games, we wholeheartedly recommend this gaming site as your starting point.

That’s why the Southern USA States are leaning toward online gambling and not surprisingly, Georgia is one of the States with high use of online gambling as a way of entertainment.

The post Why People in Georgia Transform Their Mobile Phones or Tablets into a Gambling Enterprises? appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

A resolution (House Resolution 36) filed in January 2017 by State Rep. Allen Peake and Rep. Micah Gravley and others, would place the question on the ballot in November 2018 as a Constitutional Amendment.

“YES or NO – Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the regulation of the production of cannabis and sale of medical cannabis to certain individuals and further provide that the net revenue of the fees from such production be dedicated to a department and state sale taxes be dedicated to a fund to support drug treatment programs within this state?”

Legal intrastate access to medical grade cannabis is the missing link for patients who have qualified under current state law to receive a low THC oil. While patients can get a permit for use, there is no legal way to obtain the medicine in Georgia. Currently, patients must purchase cannabis oil from sources in others states. This is technically illegal under federal law.

Therefore, Georgia CARE Project supports placing the question on the ballot to allow Georgia voters to decide the issue.

Our campaign “Let Georgia Vote – 2018” supports the resolution and encourages the Georgia General Assembly the debate and pass the resolution and allow the voters who elected them to determine the fate of this proposal.

Three things you can do to support the measure:

1. Contact your state representative and senator in support of HR-36

2. Share our campaign (graphic) on social media

3. Donate to Georgia CARE Project as we launch this campaign

The post “Let Georgia Vote 2018” Campaign appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

From UGAsports.com : Georgia Bulldog sophomore running back Elijah Holyfield was booked into the Athens Clark County jail at 3:33 a.m. ET on two misdemeanor marijuana charges early Monday morning. He was released on on bond approximately 30 minutes later.

The post Elijah Holyfield arrested for Marijuana Possession appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Temple GA: On April 3^rd the City of Temple will begin the process to amend the city’s marijuana ordinance that would remove jail time and reduce the fine for one ounce or less of cannabis.

Following in the footsteps of the cities of Clarkston and Atlanta, council member Penny Ransom will present the proposed ordinance for the first reading at the next scheduled council meeting. A public hearing and a vote will come over the next four weeks.

State law allows cities to create an ordinance for one ounce or less of marijuana with up to $1000 fine and 6 months confinement. State law allows up to 12 months confinement. It does not stipulate a minimum penalty.

A hearing will be held on April 13 to allow citizens and stakeholders to provide information and ask questions.

Georgia CARE Project (Campaign for Access Reform and Education) began the City by City Initiative when they proposed an ordinance change in Athens-Clarke County in 2015.

Last July, the City of Clarkston passed a reform ordinance that removes incarceration and allows for a citation and up to a $75 fine. City officials expressed interest in reducing the harm state marijuana laws create on those caught with personal use amounts.

The key features to the ordinance is removal of an arrest record and elimination of jail time.

Georgia CARE director James Bell said the public no longer wants to incarcerate citizens for marijuana possession and cities are willing to consider a less Draconian approach to the issue.

“We are encouraged that various cities in Georgia are willing to debate the issue”, Bell said. “We hope as more cities reform their ordinances it will send a message to state legislators that Georgians no longer want to create criminals out of those who use cannabis. But, we understand there is still a desire by some to show disapproval of cannabis use.”

Georgia CARE will continue to reach out to cities and help educate councils on the reform process.

The post City of Temple set to consider new marijuana ordinance – no jail time appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Committee Chairman Andre Dickens called on several speakers from the community and government to share their thoughts on the proposal.

The ordinance would amend a current ordinance that defines punishment for the possession of one ounce or less of cannabis. Currently, the city ordinance allows for up to $1000 fine and 6 month confinement, the maximum punishment allowed in municipal courts. State courts can sentence up to 12 months confinement and a $1000 fine. Either violation is considered a misdemeanor, resulting in an arrest and conviction record.

Under the new proposal, the offense will not be treated as a misdemeanor and would only be subject to a fine of $75 with no arrest, incarceration, or criminal record.

Some of those participating in the hearing include Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry, Attorney Mawuli Davis, Rev. Bob Thompson of Compassionate Atlanta, Dr. Camara Jones, past President of the American Public Health Association and Atlanta appointee to the Dekalb Board of Public Health. Also in attendance were cannabis activists James Bell of Georgia CARE Project, Sharon Ravert of Peachtree NORML, Paul Cornwell of CAMP, Ted Metz, Tracy Manning, Dean Sines, and others who spoke in favor during the public comment portion of the meeting.

The committee also heard from various department heads including the police department.

After the testimony, Chairman Dickens said he was ready to take a vote at the next meeting.

Atlanta is the second city in the past 12 months to consider the ordinance change. Clarkston GA made headlines news in 2016 by enacting a similar ordinance.

Just last week the city of Temple, west of Atlanta, announced they too will hold public meetings on their marijuana ordinance. Announcements of the meeting dates will be published soon.

Georgia CARE Project launched the “City by City” initiative last year to educate activists and city councils about the ability of cities to enact such codes.

We believe as more cities pass local codes eliminating jail time and criminal records, the state legislature will get the message that the citizens of Georgia no longer want to incarcerate its citizens and treat them as criminals for possession of personal use amounts. In the meantime, the residents of these cities will be safe from excessive fines, arrest, and criminal records that affect their livelihoods.

Senate Bill 105 introduced this session by Sen. Harold Jones II of Augusta, would move felony amounts from more than 1 ounce to 2 ounces and no jail time for ½ ounce or less. The bill passed out of committee by a 7-2 vote but stalled in the Rules Committee. The bill will be active for the 2018 legislative session.

Georgia CARE Project will continue our efforts to reform Georgia’s antiquated cannabis laws.

The post Atlanta’s Proposed Marijuana Ordinance – No Jail Time $75 Fine appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Ransom told the mayor and council she wants the city to consider replacing the current marijuana ordinance with one similar to the city of Clarkston. She suggested that meetings occur over the next several weeks to discuss the details of the ordinance and expressed her concerns that the current ordinance is to harsh at $1000 fine and 180 days in jail.

Her proposal was received with head nods and applause by some council members and citizens.

The state constitution allows cities to create an ordinance for one ounce or less, enabling the cases to be adjudicated in municipal courts. While state law for misdemeanor possession carries a penalty of up to $1000 fine and 12 months in jail or probation, cities are restricted to 180 days confinement under a city ordinance. The constitution does not set a minimum sentence a city can impose.

Clarkston made headline news last summer by enacting an ordinance that sets a $75 fine for each offense of possession of one ounce or less of cannabis, eliminating the requirement to arrest and incarcerate the suspect.

Temple is one of the cities being targeted by the “City by City Initiative” established by the Georgia CARE Project in an effort to reduce the harm marijuana laws create.

James Bell, director of Georgia CARE , said cities that enact reform legislation are mirroring public opinion that people should not be treated as criminals for possession of small amounts.

No criminal record would be generated under this ordinance.

“Cities can handle these cases without criminalizing its citizens and visitors to their city”, said Bell. “A person would receive a citation and agree to appear in court or pay the set fine without being arrested, booked, photographed and finger printed like a criminal.”

Bell points out the proposed ordinance would not effect the ability of police to arrest for intent to distribute or driving under the influence. State law would be used in these cases.

We will update this report as the process moves forward.

The post City of Temple seeks to reduce marijuana possession penalties appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Cannabis Awareness Day is designed to bring citizens from across Georgia to the State Capitol to show support for cannabis law reform. In the process, we teach citizens how to advocate for or against a bill, how to meet their legislators (State Representatives & Senators), where to find their offices, and meet fellow activists who support the cause.

Itinerary for Monday 27th:

The event is from 9:00am to 3:00pm and a hearing on Senate Bill 105 will take place at 4:00pm.

Feel free to attend any time during the day you are available. It is recommended that you set aside at least two hours for this event if you are going to attend, so that you have time to speak with people.

Some of us will be attending the Wild Hog Supper at 5:30 at the Depot. Take into consideration the hearing at 4:00 could run past an hour. The meeting room and Depot is only a block apart.

• 9:00am:

We will meet in Room 328 in the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB) at 9am -10am for orientation. CLOB is across the street from the capitol on the south side. You will need a photo ID to enter these buildings. For those who have no experience at the Capitol, we will show you around and help you locate your legislator.

You can also do your homework and find the name and photo of your legislators. See Below.

• 1:00 Lunch:

We will gather at the Sloppy Floyd Cafeteria for lunch – lower floor. Pay your way. It has a good selection of sandwiches, salad bar, and other selections ranging from $5 to $10. A snack bar is available on  the 1st floor of the capitol. We recommend you BRING BOTTLED WATER.

Tips for Talking with Legislators:

1. Do not be negative, argumentative, or behave angrily toward the legislator. This behavior will only give them a reason to ignore your request.
2. Don’t identify yourself as being with a group or Georgia CARE Project. It may predispose the legislator to bias in regard to your statements. Identify yourself as a citizen activist. Because you are not being paid, this is completely factual.
3. You will only have a few minutes to speak. Try to be concise. Incorporate the story of someone affected personally by the laws if you can, as this speaks louder than facts sometimes.
4. Make a clear statement about how you want them to vote before you say goodbye. Don’t forget!
5. Report back to us about any conversations with legislators so we can learn and share as needed.

Legislation we support:

• House Resolution 36: Public Vote on in-state cultivation (2018)
• House Bill 65: Medical Cannabis Expansion Bill
• House Bill 465: Industrial Hemp Experimental Crop Research and Commission
• Senate Bill 105: Marijuana Decriminalization (Harm Reduction)

Legislation we oppose:

• Senate Bill 16: Reduces THC limits in Low THC Oil to 3% from 5%

Talking Points:

There are several bills we are supporting. We only want to express our support for the bill and offer a short explanation why. If they have time to engage you in conversation you can further explain why. If they oppose the bill, be polite and encourage their support for the bill. Move on.

Office to Office:

We plan on delivering an information packet to as many offices as possible. Especially to those sitting on committees that will hear our bills.

Parking (See Map):

• Parking is available in the area. It is recommended that you use the parking decks or the lot closest to the CLOB .

The Underground Atlanta Parking deck is just west of the capitol  75 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., SW Atlanta, GA 30303 . This deck is suggested if you are attending the Wild Hog Supper that evening at the Rail Road Depot – 5:30. FEE -by the hour. Pay on exit.

Pete Hackney Parking Deck 62 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive SE Atlanta, GA 30303. Cheapest $5 flat rate pay on entry. Follow the signs at the elevator to use the walking bridge to the Sloppy Floyd Twin Towers Building on the north side of capitol.

Liberty Plaza Parking Lot – Capitol Ave. located on the southeast side of the capitol. This may be the most convenient parking at $10 (pay station) if space is available. Look for the Flags and Liberty Bell. A flagman is usually there flagging in customers. It is just steps away from the capitol.

The post 2017 5th Annual Cannabis Awareness and Lobby Day appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

Here is a recap of the events and an important ACTION ITEM.

Locally

Atlanta City Ordinance:

On Tuesday, the city of Atlanta held a hearing on the repeal and reform of certain “quality of life” ordinances that have been used to criminalize poverty – like arrests for jaywalking. One of the issues is also marijuana possession. Under state law, Georgia cities have the authority to adjudicate over marijuana cases in municipal court.

The question for Atlanta  – Should the city ordinance be repealed or modified?

Georgia CARE Director James Bell spoke to the issue and recommended to the public safety subcommittee to keep and modify the ordinance similar to that of the city of Clarkston, GA. That ordinance allows for citation for the possession of one ounce or less and a $75 fine, with no arrest or criminal record.

Georgia CARE Project established the “City by City” initiative to encourage local governments to reduce the harmful impact that state laws wreak on the lives of Georgians across the state.

State Level

House Bill 65:

Rep. Allen Peake presented his medical cannabis oil bill to the House Judiciary Non-civil committee. No vote was taken but the bill will be up for a full committee vote as soon as next week. The bill will add 8 more medical conditions to existing law and removes “end stage” requirements for many of the conditions. A competing bill in the senate (SB-16), which we oppose, was passed on the floor the Senate and will have to reconciled in the house. The bill would lower THC to 3% in oil.

Senate Bill 105:

Sen. Harold Jones II presented his marijuana law “harm reduction” bill to the Senate Judiciary subcommittee where it passed by a vote of 3-1. The bill would establish a citation with no arrest and a $300 fine for ½ ounce or less, and move the felony possession line to 2 ounces from 1 ounce. James Bell from the Georgia CARE Project and others activists testified before the committee.

The Senate Judiciary committee is voting on SB-105 on Monday, the 27th at 4pm. This will decide whether it goes to the Senate floor so it’s very important! Please find details on an action item to contact committee members below.

House Bill 465:

Rep. John Pezold filed this Industrial Hemp Commission bill following the state of Kentucky’s efforts to grow and experiment with hemp cultivation. Hemp is defined as possessing .3% THC or less. Rep. Allen Peake, author of the medical cannabis oil bill, and Rep. Tom McCall, chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs have co-signed the bill with others.

Please Take Action:

On Monday February 27 starting at 9am in Room 328 in the Capitol, Georgia CARE Project is hosting the:

5th Annual Cannabis Awareness Day

We invite citizens to come to the State capitol and help advocate for the bills being debated. We will provide talking points, tips on how to speak with legislators, and suggestions on how to accomplish our goals for the day.

The post Legislative Update from the Capitol and Atlanta City Council – Week of Feb. 20th appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.

The committee voted to move the bill forward to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee for further consideration.

HB-65 expands the current law (HB-1) by adding additional medical conditions for which cannabis oil (CBD/THC) can be used and for other purposes.

State Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, chairs the working group and wrote House Bill 65, which will be the vehicle for their recommendations.

“I thought today was very productive,” said Peake, after the meeting. The working group is a special committee formed this year to work on the complexities of getting a substance to Georgians that’s prohibited under federal law. The roughly 1,200 Georgians on the state medical cannabis registry for diagnoses like severe seizure disorders can posses a liquid made from medical cannabis, though there is no legal way to obtain it. The working group also recommended that people with medical cannabis cards from other states should be allowed to posses that liquid.

The post Georgia doctor treats Autistic son with cannabis appeared first on Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform and Education.