Community Corner

Georgia Senator Calls for Medical Marijuana Hearings

Marijuana activists around the state of Georgia applaud the call by lawmakers to study the issue of medical marijuana.  In an interview on WSB-TV 2, Georgia Senator Josh McKoon called for hearings on the issue. Sen. McKoon pointed out that Georgia passed a medical marijuana law in 1980 but the program went dormant. 

James Bell, director of the Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform & Education (Georgia CARE), a marijuana law reform advocacy group, said the medical marijuana issue is one of the hottest topic in America. 

“We’re very excited over Sen. McKoon’s willingness to study the feasibility of allowing cannabis therapeutics here is Georgia”, said Bell. “When we see the pain and suffering of so many people who can be helped by this medicine, it’s unconscionable that we would deny access to cannabis.”

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Bell said over the past 12 months Georgia CARE Project and other groups have been meeting with state officials about the issue seeking advice on how to proceed and offering information on the topic.

According to national opinion polls medical marijuana legalization has grown to be a popular issue. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have enacted medical marijuana laws and many others states are now considering it. 

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Bell said he has identified a number of legislators, both Republican and Democrat, willing to investigate the issue and some who out-right support the medical issue.

“Over the past year I have traveled across the state and talked to legislators, solicitors, medical professional and clergy and the support for medical marijuana is overwhelming. I wonder exactly who is in opposition to it.”

Georgia CARE and other reform organization are preparing to make their presence known at the state capitol and are planning the Second Annual Cannabis Awareness Day at the gold dome.

Georgia CARE project was formed in 2012 by James Bell and Ron Williams to serve as a consulting group to educate legislators, media and the public on various marijuana law reform issues.

For more information visit: www.gacareproject.com

http://www.wsbtv.com/videos/news/state-senator-demanding-hearing-on-medical/vCMqtG

Source: Georgia Care press release dated Jan. 7, 2014.



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