It was a good week for state Rep. Allen Peake, the House sponsor of Georgia’s medical marijuana bill. On Wednesday, the chamber voted 158-2 to decriminalize the possession of cannabis oil with no more than 5 percent of the chemical that produces the highs associated with pot. Today, Peake writes about the upcoming challenge for the bill in the Senate, where lawmakers may limit the scope of its coverage. In our second column, a medical expert with the American Cancer Society calls for a hike in the state cigarette tax to increase revenue and reduce addiction and disease.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

Credit: Reed Williams/AJC