MACON, 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 citizens and families who desire medical cannabis:
“Today’s hearing was a very emotional, yet important piece to this puzzle. Hearing from families who are seeking medical cannabis treatment allows us to put a face to this discussion and lets us hear firsthand testimonies and stories of successful medical cannabis treatment. We heard numerous stories from parents and patients who have taken a cocktail of FDA approved medications and been on diets that mimicked starvation – all while seeing little to no improvements and some even stating that the symptoms increasingly worsened.
“We also had the unique opportunity today to hear from growers and operators of dispensary chains in other states where it is legal. One individual, a grower from Colorado who has provided cannabis oil to many families, including some from Georgia, explained the rigorous process and inspection that this product goes through before being given to patients. Again, we were able to hear clear evidence from residents of other states that have been through this process.
“These families are in a desperate search for this type of treatment; one that would allow them to remain with their families here in Georgia. So many families in Georgia have been separated in a grave attempt to find relief for their children, while some aren’t capable of picking up their lives and moving across the country. We heard from families who have been lifelong residents of our state, love this state, and want to come home and be reunited with their loved ones. Though I will never be able to fully understand the struggles that these families are facing, hearing these testimonies allows us to get a brief look into their lives and understand the potential benefits of this treatment. We have the opportunity to give these families a better life, and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues in the House, the Senate and with Governor Deal to find this solution.”
At today’s meeting, the committee heard testimony from parents with children who have seizure disorders, mitochondrial disease and who are diagnosed with autism, as well as citizens with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis and other diagnoses who desire medical cannabis to treat these illnesses.
The committee will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, October 1, at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville. 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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