Georgia lawmaker files bill to legalize medical marijuana

Georgia lawmakers are moving ahead with efforts to legalize a form of medical marijuana.

Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, filed House Bill 1 on Monday, the first day legislators may “pre-file” legislation ahead of next year’s session of the General Assembly.

The bill follows through on a more than year-long pledge by Peake to pass legislation that would allow Georgia families to use cannabis oil to treat certain seizure disorders in both children and adults, afflictions that can cause hundreds of seizures a day and often lead to death. The oil is harvested from the marijuana plant but does not create the high that recreational use of marijuana produces.

Peake has dubbed HB 1 as “The Haleigh’s Hope Act,” named after a Georgia child whose parents have been among those advocating for legalization of the oil. A similar Peake bill failed in the final days of this year’s session, a casualty of House vs. Senate drama over dueling bills.

About the Author

Kristina Torres

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is challenging Georgia election laws he says give his Republican rival an advantage as they campaign for governor.

Firebrand state senator running for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat

State Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, announced plans to seek the 14th District seat, although it wasn't clear whether he will run in a special election or in November.

1h ago

State lawmaker charged with unemployment fraud

Authorities say State Rep. Sharon Henderson, while a candidate for the Georgia House in 2020, applied for federal pandemic unemployment benefits under false pretenses.

The Latest

Credit: TNS

Firebrand state senator running for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s seat

1h ago

Raffensperger sues to scrap fundraising laws he says favor Jones in governor’s race

Who will replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress?

Featured

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

When ICE takes breadwinners, it takes a toll on families ... and on the economy

For immigrant families, brushes with ICE can result in financial precarity that could have implications for the broader economy.

‘I’m a bad kid,’ he told himself. How Georgia’s special ed program failed one child.

Parents find that it's easy to get into the GNETS program, but in some districts, difficult to leave.

‘A lot of blame, but not enough action’: Atlanta leaders lack path to fix jail

Stakeholders across Atlanta and Fulton County grapple with a complex web of issues that contribute to overcrowding, crumbling structure.