Georgia Senate passes medical marijuana bill
The Senate Thursday gave final passage to a measure to expand Georgia’s medical marijuana program.
By a vote of 45 to 6, Senators approved a revised version of Senate Bill 16, sending it to Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature. The bill would make six conditions eligible for treatment with a limited form of cannabis oil allowed in Georgia: Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, autism, epidermolysis bullosa, peripheral neuropathy and Tourette's syndrome. Patients in hospice care also could possess the oil.
Supporters cheered the bill’s passage.
"Today we're going to provide more access to Georgians with very specific illnesses," said Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newnan. "And we'll provide doctors more treatment options for patients."
About the Author
David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
