Rep. Allen Peake and Rep. Micah Gravley Announce Online Release of “Growing Hope” Documentary

ATLANTA— State Representatives Allen Peake (R-Macon) and Micah Gravley (R-Douglasville) today announced that the Growing Hope film, which recently premiered in Dallas, Georgia, is now available in full length online. Growing Hope is a documentary that follows the life of HB 885 and focuses on decisions parents in Georgia are making to receive treatment for their children.

“Now that the film is available for all to access online, I encourage everyone to take 45 minutes to watch this documentary,” said Rep. Peake. “Growing Hope helps our efforts to increase awareness of the need for medical cannabis for our families here in Georgia, and I hope that you will help us spread this message by viewing and sharing the film.”

The documentary film, produced by filmmaker, Drew Alexander, follows Georgia’s fight to provide medical cannabis to children suffering from various forms of Epilepsy, as well as other Georgia patients who would benefit from the medicinal use of cannabis oil. The Growing Hope film features many Georgia families who have been fighting for their children. The film also includes interviews from Georgia legislators including Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon), Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), Rep. Scot Turner (R-Holly Springs), Rep. Micah Gravley (R-Douglasville), and Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville).

“It is extremely important that we keep this conversation about medical cannabis alive as we continue our fight for this treatment in Georgia,” said Rep. Gravley. “We hope that the online version of the documentary will draw a large number of viewers and inspire them to be active in this conversation about cannabis.”

The Growing Hope film premiered on Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at the Dallas Theater in Dallas, Georgia. Ticket sales from the event will go to Journey of Hope Fund, a nonprofit that aids Georgia families who travel to other states to obtain cannabis oil for their children.

House Bill 885 was introduced in the 2014 legislative session and authored by Rep. Peake and co-signed by Rep. Gravley. The bill was designed to increase treatment options for children suffering from seizure disorders, and other specific medical conditions, by restricting and regulating the distribution of cannabidiol, an oil-based derivative of the cannabis plant. HB 885 failed to pass during the 2014 session, but led to the creation of the Prescription of Medical Cannabis for Serious Medical Conditions Joint Study Committee, ultimately created by SR 981. The committee has held several meetings to hear from families who are seeking this treatment, in addition to law enforcement officials, the medical community, and leaders from other states with similar legislation.

To view a copy of the full length Growing Hope film, please click here. Drew Allen, the film’s producer, can be contacted at (706) 616-1525.

For more information on the Growing Hope film, please click here, and for more information on the Journey of Hope, please 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.

Representative Micah Gravley represents the citizens of District 67, which includes portions of Douglas and Paulding counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism, and Judiciary Non-Civil committees.

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