Medical marijuana dispensaries bill passes Georgia House

Gov. Brian Kemp has previously said he’s open to “research-based expansion” of medical marijuana.If approved, Georgia would join 31 states that already allow some form of marijuana cultivation, according to the Joint Commission on Low THC Medical Oil Access, a group of lawmakers and stakeholders that recommended licensing marijuana growers, manufacturers and dispensaries.Opponents of the proposal, including sheriffs and some religious groups, say it could lead to outright marijuana legalization.“The path Georgia is taking now is a very treacherous and dangerous path,” said Terry Norris, the executive director of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. Even though we’re not taking about legalizing for recreational purposes, we believe all the notoriety of this discussion will lead to increased marijuana use by children.”The legislation would prohibit smoking or vaping medical marijuana oil.Georgia’s medical marijuana program allows registered patients to use marijuana with up to 5 percent THC, the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant.The law covers 16 conditions, including severe seizures, deadly cancer, peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis.