Tag: Georgia

    Georgia Medical Patients Apply for Marijuana Research Program

    Georgia Medical Patients Apply for Marijuana Research Program

     

    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.

      10 things you can do right now to legalize marijuana

      Marijuana Law Reform Activist Guide

      10 things you can do right now to legalize marijuana

      People ask, “What can I do to help legalize marijuana in Georgia”.

      Here are some suggestions on how to get more involved.

      1. Donate: Like any movement Georgia CARE Project needs funding. We have day to day expenses as well as public outreach projects that must be funded. Printing literature – travel expenses – merchandising – office expenses – etc. Consider making a monthly pledge of at least $10. That will get over 100 brochures into the public’s hands. $40 a month will cover internet and web cost. If you would like to fund a specific project, contact us.
      2. Volunteer: Throughout the year we need volunteers to help with various projects. Events – outreach – sign holding – distributing literature. Many of you have a skill or talent that can help our movement. Video – social networking – graphics – writing – public speaking – artists, are just some of the needs we have.
      3. Lobbying: One of the most important task for activists is lobbying. Contacting your state elected officials and let them know you want CHANGE! We provide a website to locate your state officials and we can instruct you on whom to contact and when. Report your actions and results back to us.

       

      1. Editorial Writing: Marijuana legalization is one of the hottest topics in the nation. Editors are looking for well written essays on the topic. Editorial (Op-Ed) should be short and concise. Get to the point. Keep it between 300 & 500 words. Space is limited. Email your copy to the editor of your local newspaper or another media outlet. We can help you with editing and styling your editorial. Share your essays with Georgia CARE.
      1. Demonstration: We call it the “2 + 2 + 2 Campaign”. Two people with two signs for two hours. Find a friend and location. Stay on sidewalks and in public areas. If you are not sure about where to demonstration give us a call. We can help advice you and help find fellow activists to help you in your town or neighboring community. Courthouses are a great place to demonstrate. Busy intersections can reach 1000s in just a couple of hours. The mission is to use the event to generate a local news story. Call and invite the local media to come out and do an interview and take photos. Have a short written message to give them so they can report you actions correctly. Call us for advice: 404-271-9061

       

      1. Public Speaking: Georgia CARE is available for public speaking events. Civic meeting – college campus – festivals – TV & Radio. Seek out opportunities for us to speak. If you have the ability to do public speaking, find you own events. It’s a great way to reach people who otherwise may never get to hear a reform advocate talk about marijuana legalization. As always dress appropriately and allow for Q&A.
      1. Fundraising: We need to plan fundraising events. Banquets – concerts – merchandising – info tables. These are all ways to help generate funds. Make it a project to get ten of your friends to give $10 to your favorite organization. We all need funding! $100 can print over 1000 brochures for distribution at events and festivals.

       

      1. Social Media: It seems everyone uses Facebook – Twitter – Reddit – blogs and other social media. You can help by sharing our project with others. Blogs like patch.com allow you to post your original content with virtually no censoring. Share the content from our website and post links to it. Georgia is at your fingertips.

       

      1. Form a local group: While half of Georgia’s population lives in the metro Atlanta area, we have supporters all over the state. Form a group in your area and host a one-time event or regular meetings. Use Facebook to get organized. We will provide speakers. Libraries – colleges -restaurants – clubs and churches offer meeting space.

       

      1. Be a leader: The marijuana reform movement of a collective of organizations and individuals. Some are well funded by foundations others are volunteers who fund their projects out of pocket. Some focus on medical access or criminal justice and commercial hemp. Where do you fit in? Find your place in the movement. This may not mean standing in front of media cameras at press conference, but it could mean standing up at a social event or a back yard BBQ or sharing your passion for reform with a friend or stranger. Georgia CARE Project can serve as a focal point of reform but nothing can replace your involvement and support. Be a leader!

        How to Contact Your Legislators – Act Now!

        We must tell our elected officials that we want to change the marijuana laws in Georgia. In just 2 minutes you can make a difference. Here is how….

        1. Go to this page LEGISLATOR LOCATOR

        2. Enter your address and find your district and state representatives and senator

        3. Click on their name to find contact information

        4. Call or email them with the following message:

        a. My name is – – – I support reforming marijuana laws in Georgia

        b. I support medical marijuana for the sick

        c. I do not support arresting and jailing people for possession and use of marijuana

        d. We need your help in changing these laws

        e. I would like to talk with further about this issue.

        f. Provide contact information

        It is not necessary to state all the reasons you want to reform. Just inform them you want them to act on this matter.

        It’s that easy. Let us know how your efforts went. Send us their reply to [email protected]