ATLANTA— State Representatives Allen Peake (R-Macon) and Micah Gravley (R-Douglasville) hosted the premiere of the Growing Hope film, a documentary that follows the life of HB 885 and focuses on decisions parents in Georgia are making to receive treatment for their children on Thursday, November, 6 in Dallas, Georgia.
“Last night was a huge success,” said Rep. Peake. “These Georgia families that were featured in the documentary opened up their homes and hearts to share their stories with us in an effort to keep the conversation of medical cannabis alive; these are some of the most courageous people I know. This film was moving, powerful, and emotional, yet despite all of that, you could feel a great amount positive energy in the theater. These families are steadfast, hopeful, and optimistic, and I will continue to do everything in my power to fight for them.”
“I am deeply honored and thankful to be a part of this “big family” and a part of something as monumental as this,” said Rep. Gravley. “Within the last year, we have looked at this issue, learned of the struggles that families have to go through, and solidified relationships – all centered around the push for medical cannabis in Georgia. I think that this film does a great job of portraying the issue. I am inspired by the families that I have formed relationships with, and am grateful to be a part of this fight.”
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. At the film’s premiere, Alexander encouraged the audience to continue discussions about the film and to share what they saw with others.
At the event, Dallas Mayor, Boyd Austin, welcomed citizens and expressed his support for medical cannabis in Georgia. Also in attendance were several local officials, State Rep. Howard Maxwell (R-Dallas), State Rep. Paulette Rakestraw-Braddock (R-Powder Springs), and Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker). Following the showing of the film, legislators and the filmmakers opened up a forum for any questions from the audience.
The film features many Georgia Families, including Paulding County’s Wages Family, who has been fighting for their children Sidney and Caden. 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).
All proceeds from ticket sales 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. The film will be made available to the public online in coming weeks; information will be forthcoming.
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 resulted in 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.
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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