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.