The leader of a top tea party organization on Monday announced her support for legislation that would legalize the use of a type of marijuana to treat certain seizure disorders.

Julianne Thompson, a co-chairwoman of the Atlanta Tea Party, said she will support House Bill 855, which would allow a form of cannabis to be used legally in certain situations.

“Originally, I was shocked and frightened of the mention of any type of marijuana in Georgia,” Thompson said. “I am both a fiscal and a social conservative and have always been and remain opposed to any legalization of recreational drug use of any kind.”

HB 885, sponsored by Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, gets its first hearing at 3 p.m. Monday in the Health and Human Services Committee.

Thompson, like Peake, said she was moved by a young girl who suffers from seizures that have not responded to traditional treatments.

“This oil-based treatment made from medical cannabis is helping children across the country to be able to live a more normal life, helping them smile again,” Thompson said. “How can we deny Georgia children the right to safe and effective treatment?”

About the Author

Keep Reading

The SNAP program provided benefits to about 13% of Georgia’s population, 1.4 million people, during the 2024 fiscal year. (Associated Press)

Credit: Sipa USA via AP

Featured

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens (right) tours the Vine City neighborhood with his senior advisor Courtney English (left). (Matt Reynolds/AJC 2024)

Credit: Matt Reynolds