ATLANTA — State Representative Scot Turner (R-Holly Springs) today commented on the bill signing of House Bill 1 by Governor Deal. Rep. Turner attended the bill signing event for HB 1, or the Haleigh’s Hope Act, which was signed into law on April 16, 2015, and now decriminalizes the possession of medical cannabis in Georgia for certain medical conditions.
“It was an extraordinary privilege to witness Governor Deal sign this monumental piece of legislation,” said Rep. Turner. “Thanks to the hard work of many legislators, especially Rep. Allen Peake, House Bill 1 is now state law, and our medical refugees can begin packing to come back to Georgia and reunite with their families, friends, and loved ones. This is a proud day in our great state, and I commend all involved for their hard work and dedication to improve the lives of the people of this state.”
HB 1, which became effective upon Governor Deal’s signature, will provide immunity for the possession of cannabis oil for individuals with certain medical conditions who have obtained cannabis oil legally in another state. Qualifying conditions under HB 1 include cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mitochondrial disease, and sickle cell disease. These individuals can only possess cannabis oil with a maximum of 5 percent THC and a maximum amount of 20 fluid ounces of cannabis oil. HB 1 also requires that potential patients register with the Georgia Department of Public Health and be placed on the “Low-THC Oil Patient Registry.” After a recommendation from their physician, these individuals will receive a registration card that exempts them from prosecution in Georgia for possession of medical cannabis oil that has been legally obtained in another state and meets the aforementioned requirements.
The bill also creates the Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis which will be charged with making a recommendation for the potential regulatory infrastructure for creation of in-state growth/distribution model of medical cannabis. The commission must make its recommendation to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2015. The members of the commission will include the commissioner of the Department of Public Health, the director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the director of the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency, the commissioner of agriculture, the Governor’s executive counsel, members of the General Assembly, medical professionals, law enforcement officials, and pharmacists. Lastly, the bill directs Georgia’s university system to continue the Governor’s initiative to undertake clinical studies on medical marijuana.
For more information on HB 1, please click here.
*Editor’s note: a photo of Rep. Turner and Haleigh Cox at yesterday’s bill signing has been attached to this email for your convenience.
Representative Scot Turner represents the citizens of District 21, which includes portions of Cherokee County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2013, and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Science and Technology, Special Rules, State Planning & Community Affairs committees.
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