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."

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will again have Georgia’s largest team covering the Legislature. Get complete daily coverage during the legislative session at myAJC.com/georgialegislature.

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres