ATLANTA — State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) and Representative Alan Powell (R-Hartwell) commented on a recent statewide poll conducted by Georgians for Freedom in Health Care. The poll found that respondents support the new law passed earlier this year to decriminalize medical cannabis oil in Georgia for certain medical conditions, and respondents were supportive of expanding that law to allow for its production and distribution in Georgia for medical purposes, under strict regulation and security.
“There is no issue in Georgia that unites our fellow citizens like this one, said Rep. Peake. “People all across our state, young and old, black and white, need this medicine and they expect our government to create an infrastructure where they can have access to a safe and legal product.”
Of those polled, 86% of respondents said that they approve the new law, House Bill 1, and 84.5% approve of expanding the law.
HB 1, which was passed during the 2015 legislative session and signed into law shortly thereafter, provides 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. 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.
HB 1 also created the Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis, Chaired by Rep. Peake, which is 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.
“Just like in other states, we are fully capable of handling any concerns the public may have,” said Rep. Powell. “I want law enforcement at the table to gain their confidence as we move forward and to share their expertise on all security measures. I’ll put our law enforcement professionals up against any in the country.”
The poll shows that 72.7% of respondents are confident in the effectiveness of Georgia’s law enforcement to provide security for medical production and distribution. In addition, the poll found that 81.8% of Georgians support expanding the list of qualifying conditions treatable by cannabis-derived oil to include additional disorders and illnesses that have shown improvement using this treatment in medical studies.
Georgians for Freedom in Health Care funded the statewide poll conducted by Opinion Savvy. The poll was conducted November 29, 30, 2015, with 762 total respondents and a 3.5% margin of error.
To view a full report of the poll data, 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 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 Alan Powell represents the citizens of District 32, which includes portions of Franklin, Hart, and Madison counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 1990, and currently serves as the Chairman of Public Safety & Homeland Security. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety and the Governmental Affairs, Motor Vehicles, Regulated Industries, Rules, and Small Business Development committees.
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