Democrat Senator gives Marijuana Push in Georgia

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on November 25, 2014.

Georgia became the latest state in the United States to join the legal battle for Marijuana use. Democrat Senator Curt Thompson introduced two pieces of legislation on Monday that would legalize medical and recreational marijuana in Georgia. Both legislation are known as SB 6 and SB 7.

As per the provisions of SB 6, the state would allow people of 21 years of age and above to purchase a 'limited' amount of marijuana. The taxes and fees collected from the sale of marijuana would be split equally between education and transportation departments of the state. So far, only Colorado and Washington state have legalized the use of recreational marijuana. Although Oregon, Alaska and District of Columbia have joined the club recently, the legalization process will go through several phases in these states before people can take advantage of it.

The SB 7 legislation focuses on legalization of medical marijuana. Under the provisions of this bill, marijuana would be authorized for medical use for such people who suffer from a “debilitating medical condition,” which includes but isn’t limited to cancer, glaucoma, HIV, Alzheimer’s disease. Any other chronic disease or medical conditions that require use of marijuana in the healing process, would also come under this.

Senator Curt Thompson, while introducing the legislation, made a statement, saying, "During the 2015 legislative session, we will have the opportunity to provide our doctors with an additional tool by legalizing marijuana for medical use.” It can be noted that a bill seeking to legalize cannabis oil for medical use failed to pass the legislature in March 2014. It was sponsored by Republican Allen Peake. It would be interesting to see what response Senator Curt Thompson's efforts will get in the legislature this time.

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