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ATLANTA — State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) today released the following statement regarding the objectives for the upcoming meetings of the Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Serious Medical Conditions Joint Study Committee:
“Throughout this series of study committee meetings, we hope to examine legislation that other states have crafted to help their citizens find relief from certain medical disorders. I also look forward to hearing feedback and testimonies from various groups, especially families who are seeking cannabis oil treatment in Georgia, law enforcement representatives and medical professionals. In order to understand all aspects of medical cannabis, testimony from producers of this very specific cannabis oil that is used to treat seizure disorders in children will also be very important.
“As legislators, we have a duty to craft legislation that safeguards the health and well-being of all Georgians. It is discouraging to know that families are moving out of our great state because they cannot receive the type of treatment that they desire. Our goal for these meetings is to provide information for a comprehensive report that incorporates an update on Georgia Regents University's research efforts per Governor's Deal's directive. As these meetings conclude, we plan to discuss action and possible legislation by the Georgia General Assembly based on our findings.”
Rep. Peake and Sen. Unterman recently announced meeting dates for the study committee, which are as follows:
· Wednesday, August 27: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Georgia State Capitol (Atlanta)
· Wednesday, September 10: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Mercer University (Macon)
· Wednesday, October 1: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Georgia Gwinnett College (Lawrenceville)
· Wednesday, October 22: 1:00p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Georgia Regents University (Augusta)
· Wednesday, November 12: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Georgia State Capitol (Atlanta)
The Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Serious Medical Conditions Joint Study Committee was created by SR 981 following the 2014 legislative session. Committee members include: Sen. Renee Unterman (co-chair), Rep. Allen Peake (co-chair), Sen. Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge), Sen. Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), Sen. Curt Thompson (D – Tucker), Rep. Rich Golick (R – Smyrna), Rep. Micah Gravley (R – Douglasville), and Rep. Margaret Kaiser (D – Atlanta). Rep. Peake co-chairs this study committee, along with Senator Renee Unterman (R-Buford).
For more information on the Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Serious Medical Conditions Joint Study Committee, click here.
Representative Allen Peake represents the citizens of District 141, which includes portions of Bibb and Monroe counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of the House Majority Caucus, the Vice Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee, and the Ex-Officio of the Appropriations Committee. He also serves on the Health & Human Services, Rules, and Small Business Development committees. For comments or questions, you may contact Representative Peake at rmsceo61@gmail.com, or 404-656-5025.