State Senator for Georgia Calls for Colorado-Style Marijuana Legalization

A Georgia state senator has called for full “Colorado-style” marijuana legalization, from recreational to medical use.

State Senator Curt Thompson, D-Norcross, filed joint proposals for both medical and recreational marijuana operations to become legal in the state of Georgia, to be considered by the legislature next year. The first legislative session for 2015 will be on January 12th.

Senate Bill 7, which Thompson proposed, would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana up to 2 ounces for specific medical conditions as dictated by the state, including pain treatment for cancer patients, appetite help for HIV/AIDS sufferers, and patients with epilepsy or glaucoma.

“Few would disagree that physicians need every good tool in their medical toolbox to provide the best healthcare possible to their patients,” Thompson said in a statement. “During the 2015 legislative session, we will have the opportunity to provide our doctors with an additional tool by marijuana legalization for medical use.”

Thompson also filed Senate Resolution 6, which would require voter approval and would be an amendment to Georgia’s constitution. It would legalize, regulate, and tax the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes. Tax revenue from marijuana sales would, according to the resolution, go toward education and transportation infrastructure.

According to a poll, 54% of respondents who are registered voters in the state of Georgia said they supported medical marijuana legalization legislation, while 30% were opposed, and 16% were undecided.

“This past summer, a joint study committee examined the options for legalizing marijuana and, already, three bi-partisan bills have been filed. Our discussions of marijuana in Georgia – in its many forms – have been largely limited to children’s health. While I adamantly support cannabis oil treatments for children with severe medical problems, I believe physicians should have the ability to care for all of their patients, regardless of age. SB 7 would provide doctors another tool for care and treatment,” Thompson added.

“I am looking forward to working with my colleagues to advance the discussion of marijuana use and regulation and finding the best possible solution for Georgians,” he said.

A series of committee meetings in early November on the subject included testimony from law enforcement agents, as well as medical communities both for and against medical marijuana. State legislators are using the information they gathered at those meetings to draft a Georgia medical marijuana bill  and bring clinical trials into the state.

If You Face Criminal Drug Charges for Marijuana Use, The Strom Law Firm Can Help

Although many states have passed medical marijuana legislation, Georgia still has not legalized the use of marijuana for recreational or medical reasons. You could be charged with drug possession in Georgia. If you or a loved one have been found with medical marijuana, you could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on how much marijuana was on your person, and what your intent was with the drug. The drug crimes attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help. (912) 289-0501