ATLANTA — State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) today pre-filed House Bill 722, legislation that would create an in-state growth model for medical cannabis, as well as expanded list of qualifying medical conditions.
“Since HB 1 was signed into law last year, hundreds of Georgians have signed up and qualified for the medical cannabis registry in our state; therefore, I think this legislation is the obvious next step to help hurting Georgians who need access to this medicine here at home,” said Rep. Peake. “The cultivation, production and distribution model outlined in HB 722 is designed after the model currently in place in Minnesota, which is the most tightly regulated infrastructure in the country. I took careful consideration when drafting this legislation to fully address the concerns that have been expressed by Governor Deal and Georgia’s law enforcement community, and I am optimistic that the details of this bill will satisfy those concerns. Not only is HB 722’s production and distribution model tightly controlled, but this legislation strictly prohibits the production of medical marijuana in a smokeable form, which I have always been opposed to, and outlines tougher criminal penalties offenders.”
HB 722 would create an in-state growth and distribution model for the production of medical cannabis, which would limit the number of in-state manufacturers allowing a minimum number of two and a maximum of six within the state by December 1, 2016. Under HB 722, manufacturers would cultivate, produce and dispense the final product, and create a “seed-to-sell” tracking system, intended to provide increased security and track all plants grown, processed, transferred, stored, or disposed of. Distribution facilities would be located based on geographical need throughout the state to improve patient access. Additionally, all manufacturers would be required to contract with an independent lab to test the medical cannabis, employ licensed pharmacists to distribute medical cannabis, and manufacturers would begin supplying medical cannabis to patients by July 1, 2017. The state’s infrastructure would be administered by the commissioner of the Department of Public Health.
In addition, HB 722 would expand upon current law by adding the following qualifying medical conditions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, and Epidermolysis bullosa, Tourette’s syndrome and intractable pain. The bill defines intractable pain as pain that cannot be removed or treated. In order to be added to the medical cannabis patient registry, a patient would have to be certified by their physician and recertified every two years in order to remain an active registrant. HB 722 would also offer patients protection from penalty or discrimination in employment, child custody, and organ transplants as a result of their participation in the patient registry.
Rep. Peake plans to formally introduce HB 722 next week after the 2016 legislative session begins on January 11.
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 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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