LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) today released the following statement after the Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Serious Medical Conditions Joint Study Committee heard testimony from various individuals who work in law enforcement:
“My fellow committee members and I felt that it was crucial to continue to involve members of Georgia’s law enforcement community as we discuss the possibility of bringing medical cannabis to our state. As we go through this process, we want to remain mindful of the concerns of our local and statewide law enforcement officials. Support from these individuals would be critical to create a safe and effective infrastructure, impose regulations, control the processing and dispensing, and enforce strict security measures.
“While many of our speakers agreed that a solution is needed to help treat our children, we heard some very specific concerns today – concerns that I myself have had. We heard testimonies regarding the fear and risk of a black market, as well as a “slippery slope” scenario leading to the recreational use of marijuana. Potential legislation, much like the legislation that I introduced in the 2014 legislative session, would address these concerns by maintaining limitations which would only allow those with very specific medical conditions to obtain the drug. Furthermore, the treatment would only be administered to those patients in the form of cannabidiol oil – it would not be available in a smoke-able form. Controlling who has access to this drug and how it is administered would create a safeguard to prevent any type of abuse of the drug. As lawmakers, we have the means to prevent a “slippery slope” through harsher public policies that would not allow for the use of marijuana for recreational purposes. Additionally, we plan to continue our discussions with law enforcement officials to find solutions to eliminate the risk of black markets.
“It is important that we examine and address the concerns and perspectives of our law enforcement officials and work together to craft the safest, most effective infrastructure possible. We received great input today, and I look forward to working with these individuals as we continue to study this issue.”
At today’s meeting, the committee heard testimony from individuals who work with the following organizations: Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Gwinnett Coalition for Health, Georgia Association of Police Chiefs, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Georgia Peace Officers Association, Prosecuting Attorney’s Council, and the Council on Alcohol and Drugs.
The committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, November 12, at Georgia Regents University in Augusta. Additional meeting details will be forthcoming.
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.
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