House Bill to Expand Access to Medical Cannabis Oil in Georgia is Halted

A house bill that was intended to expand patients’ access to medical cannabis oil in the state of Georgia came to a halt in the state’s House committee on Tuesday. The committee had a discussion on the bill for over two hours; however the meeting ended without any action being taken on the bill.

Drug addiction has been a problem in Georgia for many years now, with over 1,200 overdose deaths reported in Georgia in 2014, many of which were linked to opioid abuse.  At the February 21 meeting, Representative Allan Peake opened the discussion with how increasing access to cannabis oil could help curb the state’s opioid addiction problem. “If we really want to deal . . . with the opioid crisis in our state, then we must pass reasonable and practical medical cannabis legislation,” Peake stated.

Although opponents expressed concerns about cannabis oil leading to fungal infections, experts of the industry know that a regulated market works toward establishing regulations that ensures lab-tested and safe cannabis medicine for patients.

Although the discussion on the bill came to an end without any decision being made on Tuesday, another supporter of the bill, Representative Rob Stephens showed optimism that the bill will eventually reach the House floor. “Whether we wind up with something in the middle with what the Senate version is or what the House version is, is a good thing,” Stephens told News 3. “And of course both bills expand the use of medical marijuana, and it’s for the conditions that quite honestly can’t be treated with some of the stuff we’ve got in pharmacies.”

Although patients may still have to wait to gain access to medical cannabis oil, as this bill is currently at a standstill, it appears that Georgia representatives will not give up the fight to ensure safe access to all who are in need.