Medical marijuana bill to get first hearing

Legislation that would allow limited use of medicine derived from marijuana will get its first public hearing Monday.

The House Health and Human Services Committee will hear testimony on House Bill 885.

Sponsored by Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, the bill would create a complex system that would ultimately allow access to cannabis oil to patients who suffer from certain types of seizures. The oil has shown to be effective in easing certain seizure disorders.

The bill has proven both controversial and emotional. Many of the patients who could benefit are young children. Peake, who calls himself an unlikely sponsor of the bill, became convinced there is an urgent need for the bill after meeting one young seizure sufferer in Macon.

The hearing begins at 3 p.m. in Room 606 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building, across the street from the Capitol.

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Aaron Gould Sheinin

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