Early in January this year, Georgia House Speaker David Ralston, endorsed a proposal that would expand the medical marijuana program in the state. It would include the legalization of cultivation of marijuana in the state.
House Bill 722, the proposed bill, was filed by Republican lawmakers, including the primary sponsor of 2015’s Haleigh’s Hope Act, Rep. Allen Peake. House Bill 722 was patterned and expands upon the 2015 act. The proposal aims passage for regulated cultivation, processing, testing and dispensing of medical marijuana in Georgia.
Regulations last year for medical marijuana patients of the state were contributing to the suffering of the patient. In-state cultivation was not allowed so patients had to travel to neighboring states just to purchase their medication. And upon going home, they are vulnerable to implications of breaking federal interstate drug laws. But with House Bill 722, in-state cultivation would be allowed with a range of 2-6 manufacturers that would be responsible for growing, producing and distributing the cannabis oil products.
Georgia may also be adding several condition to the limited list of qualifying conditions of the program. Glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Tourette’s Syndrome, PTSD, intractable pain, autism and Alzheimer’s Disease are those that may be added.