The Georgia Senate overwhelmingly passed a medical marijuana bill, but one with major stipulations and is much more limiting than the House Bill that passed a few weeks ago.
The bill sets up a five-year scientific study involving only people under 21 with seizure disorders. A key senator promised to meld it with a broader House bill.
Sen. Lindsey Tippins’ (R-Macon), the author of the bill watched as his bill was approved in a 54-1 vote Friday after an hour debate session. Tippins said he wants more evidence that the remedy is effective.
“I want to protect our children,” he said. “We must gather a conclusive body of evidence.”
Senate Health and Human Services committee chairwoman Renee Unterman (R-Buford) will work with Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon) to add medical issues listed in a broader House bill to the more narrow Senate’s version.
Peake’s bill, which also passed overwhelmingly last month, would legalize cannabis oil for people with seizure disorders, cancer and seven other medical diagnoses. Unterman said a hearing will be held March 19 to try to merge the House and Senate measures into a single bill.
Source: AtlantaDailyWorld