Majority of Georgia Cannabis Board opposes in-state growing

ATLANTA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The majority of the Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis is against growing marijuana in Georgia. Even though only 5 of the 14 board members voted in support, the group was still able to agree on some criteria for future consideration.

“I think we can still make a compelling argument to the governor,” said Chairman of the board and State Representative Allen Peake. 

Peake is still optimistic an in state marijuana cultivation model can happen, even after 9 board members voted against it.

“I think we can address the fears of law enforcement. I think we can address the issue of potential demand. I’m absolutely certain we can provide legislation that both maximizes the benefit for our citizens and minimizes the risk to public health in our state,” said Peake.

Those who voted against growing marijuana in Georgia said it’s because federal law doesn’t allow it.

“As a law enforcement officer, I can not take that position no matter what my sympathies are with family members and victims of crimes. The law is the law and that’s what we’re to uphold,” said Vernon Keenan, GBI Director and Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis Board Member.

The board did agree on three recommendations for their final report:

1. Urging our congressional delegation to allow inner state transportation of cannabis oil for medicinal purposes consistent with law of the state of Georgia.
2. Establishing a medical cannabis advisory board for the purpose of the addition of medical conditions and different formulations (dose and mode of entry of the drug)
3. Of the states we reviewed that now have legislation in place, we find that Minnesota’s regulatory structure has the most promising aspects for future consideration.

Peake explained the wording could change in the final report, but the overall idea would remain the same. Peake also said this report doesn’t bind the government or legislature to any action, but he plans to introduce an in state cultivation model this upcoming session.

“A year ago, we were facing strong opposition to even taking this first step. I fully realize I have a huge mountain to climb. The fight is not over,” said Peake. 

During testimony at the beginning of the meeting, the CEO of National Families in Action and representatives from the Georgia Baptist Convention expressed their opposition for growing marijuana in Georgia. GBC representatives sympathized with the families who ask for in state growth, but said they can not support it because it could lead to the future legalization of recreational marijuana. They explained while they understood all board members don’t want to legalize recreational marijuana, they can’t speak for legislators who will follow them.

Representatives from the Sickle Cell Foundation and Veterans for Cannabis as well as families with terminally ill children voiced their support for in state growth. The Sickle Cell Foundation said growing the drug in Georgia will help drive down the costs and create a new economic engine for the state. The Veterans for Cannabis representative claimed most veterans suffer from PTSD and die from accidental overdoses on pain medications. He asked commission to add PTSD to the list of conditions that can use cannabis oil for treatment. 

The final report will be sent to all board members so they can look over it and express their own opinions in it before handing it over to the governor by December 31. 

The results of the commission meeting were:

Yes:

-State Representative Allen Peake
-Dr Mandy Reece (pharmacist)
-Dr Cynthia Wetmore (oncologist and head of research for Emory and Children’s Healthcare)
-Dr Yong Park (pediatric neurologist)
-Dr Mark Murphy (gastroenterologist)

No:
-Dr Alice House (head of state medical board)
-Brian Rickman (district attorney who was recently appointed judge by Gov Deal)
-Dr Brenda Fitzgerald (commissioner of dept of public health)
-Senator Butch Miller (floor leader for Gov Nathan Deal)
-Rep Katie Dempsey Ryan Teague (exec counsel to Gov Deal)
-Chief Stacey Cotton (police)
-Sheriff Gary Gulledge Rick Allen (Director of GA Drugs and Narcotics)
-Vernon Keenan (head of GBI)
-Gary Black via proxy vote (commissioner of agriculture).