ATLANTA A call to scale back part of the states medical cannabis program quickly found opposition.
The proposal, which comes from the Senate, seeks to reduce the percentage of THC allowed in cannabis oil. Under the proposal, it would go from 5 percent to 3 percent.
The measure would also add autism to the list of medical conditions that qualify for the program.
Its a vastly different proposal than that the House of Representatives has pitched. That measure would expand the program, adding autism, Tourettes syndrome, Alzheimers and a few other conditions.
That means the two chambers are headed for a showdown in the final weeks of the legislative session.
A House panel met last week and rejected the Senate proposal. Though only a recommendation, that vote is an indication of what will likely happen when the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee takes up the measure.
Dale Jackson, for one, said he was relieved by the development. His 8-year-old son, Colin, is autistic but is treated anyway by the oil. He said his son needs THC levels higher than 3 percent.
The Troup County dad said hes hopeful lawmakers will expand the program and decide to do so quickly even if it is a far cry from the Georgia-grown medical cannabis program that would help him and other Georgians legally obtain the oil.
There are still three weeks left in the session.
I want to see the situation resolve with a good bill that we can actually be encouraged by instead of continuously leaving here feeling defeated, he said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Dueling Cannabis Bills Await Action
Author: Jill Nolin
Contact: (978) 922-1234
Photo Credit: Morgue
Website: The Salem News
