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ATLANTA — State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) (yesterday) met with Governor Nathan Deal to announce changes to Rep. Peake’s medical cannabis legislation, House Bill 1, for the 2015 legislative session.
“I have been in intense conversations with the Governor over the last several days about HB 1, and I view today’s progress as a huge step in the right direction,” said Rep. Peake. “After much discussion, it is clear that we need to conduct more research on setting an in-state growing scenario in order to provide the best and most effective infrastructure for our citizens. Last year, I made a promise to bring our families home and to give Georgians a chance to obtain cannabis oil in our state without fear of prosecution, and this has remained a priority. The changes that we have agreed upon for HB 1 vary slightly from the original version, but the bottom line is that we will be bringing Georgia families back home.”
Proposed changes to HB 1 include immediate decriminalization, upon the Governor’s signature of HB 1, for possession of cannabis oil containing between 3-5% THC for individuals with certain medical conditions who have obtained the cannabis legally in another state. Also included in the changes to HB 1 is the creation of a council whose sole charge will be to examine the future establishment of a regulatory model for an in-state growth and distribution infrastructure in Georgia. The committee will also be charged with making its recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2015.
“With this news, I am happy to say that our medical refugees in other states can start packing to come home and reunite with their families,” continued Rep. Peake. “Once the updated legislation is formally introduced and passed by both House and Senate chambers, decimalization would be effective as soon as the Governor signs HB 1 into law. Families in Georgia who are seeking medical cannabis will now be able to go to another state to legally obtain the treatment and then come back home without fear of being prosecuted in Georgia. The Journey of Hope Fund will still be operating to help Georgians travel to other states to legally obtain this treatment. We are headed down the right path in Georgia, and I thank Governor Deal for his support of this newly proposed version of the legislation.”
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.