Tag: HB 885

    Georgia CARE Focuses On New Legislation SB-432

    According to James Bell, a lobbyist for marijuana law reform, the proposed legislation (HB-885) falls short in delivering quality, safe and legal access to cannabis. One component of the bill would give immunity from prosecution to anyone who smuggles cannabis extracts into Georgia. Bell claims the proposal encourages profiteers and patients to violate federal laws that could land someone in federal prison for ten years to life.

    “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 .

      Breaking News: Medical marijuana cultivation may be allowed in Georgia

      ATLANTA (AP) – A state lawmaker seeking to bring medical marijuana to Georgia under certain circumstances has revised his bill ahead of a key committee hearing Wednesday.

      Georgia CARE has advocated amending Georgia House Bill 885 to include intrastate cultivation. Follow the news on Facebook – www.facebook.com/gacareproject   jb

      “If House Bill 885 fails to pass out of committee this week, its chance for passage this year would narrow considerably.

      Sponsored by Republican Rep. Allen Peake of Macon, the bill would revive a long-dormant research program allowing academic institutions to distribute cannabis oil to those suffering from specific medical conditions.

      Peake says the main change addresses the fact that federal guidelines currently prohibit accessing cannabis across state lines. The bill would permit approved academic medical centers in the state to grow cannabis.

      Peake says the centers, which include University of Georgia and Emory University, would have the option to participate and would not be compelled.”

        Georgia Medical Cannabis Bill “Haleigh’s Hope Act”

        Thanks to a lot of hard work from various advocacy groups and activists Georgia State Representative Allen Peake (R) and others introduced House Bill 885 on Tuesday. The bill amends the old medical research law passed in 1980 – formerly Controlled Substance Therapeutic Research Act – buy expanding the medical conditions for which cannabis can be used.

        Georgia CARE Project’s “Guide to Enacting Medical Marijuana in Georgia” was cited by Rep. Peake as being helpful in drafting the legislation and he thanked Georgia CARE director James Bell for his help in educating the lawmakers and public.