Georgia (USA): House of Representatives votes in favor of medical cannabis cultivation

The US state of Georgia legalized the medical use of cannabis oil in 2015, but without setting up a distribution system. As a result, patients are only half legal, since they still have to obtain their supplies on the black market. This situation is about to change, as the state House of Representatives has just approved a proposed law to authorize dispensaries.

A legal way to supply patients

For the past 4 years, Georgian patients have been left to their own devices with no legal way of obtaining medical cannabis. They are allowed to consume and possess medical cannabis, but cultivation, purchase and sale remain prohibited. Patients therefore buy their cannabis oils on the black market, risking not only criminal prosecution but also exposure to poor-quality products.

A hypocritical situation denounced by Republican Alan Powell: «It is hypocritical for me to pass a law that authorizes the use of this substance for the sickest people who need it, and not guarantee them access to it». There are currently more than 8,400 registered patients: 8,400 patients in a semi-legal situation who, thanks to this proposed law, would be able to access their medication without fear.

The dispensary proposal, approved by the state House of Representatives by a vote of 123 to 40, aims to authorize the cultivation, processing, laboratory testing and distribution of medical cannabis. In other words, it establishes a local medical cannabis industry. Licenses would be granted to a total of 60 dispensaries of various sizes: they will cost 150,000$ for large companies that also take on cultivation, 37,500$ for small and medium-sized enterprises and 30,000$ for merchants who limit themselves to retail sales. Renewal fees will range from 10,000$ to 50,000$.

If the proposal is approved by the Senate and gets Governor Brian Kemp's signature, the first licenses could be granted as early as the beginning of next year and the first products available by the end of 2020. Another bill to authorize hemp cultivation in the state was approved last week by the same chamber. Dispensaries would therefore also be able to sell CBD oils with less than 0.3% THC. Currently, the THC limit in medical cannabis products is set at 5%.

Local reactions

Some, like Terry Norris, executive director of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, are concerned whether the measure will lead to the legalization of recreational use or an increase in consumption among young people: «the path Georgia is taking is a very devious and dangerous one». He refers to cannabis as a «gateway drug».

Others, like Republican Micah Gravley, differentiate between recreational use (which remains illegal) and medical use of cannabis: «These aren't people looking to get high. These are people who have tried opioids and it didn't work. These are people who want their children to have fewer seizures.

In the same tone, Alan Powell clarifies: «There is nothing in this law that encourages recreational use». The law in question only authorizes the use of cannabis oils with less than 5% THC, and smoking or vaping is prohibited. What's more, these oils are only legal for patients suffering from epileptic seizures, cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic or neuropathic pain.

It's a victory for Sébastien Cotte, the Jagger's father, whose testimony we reported. He was actively involved in writing the state's laws and is delighted with these advances: «In the 6 years we've been trying to pass a law for culture, this is the first time that one of the two chambers has given its approval. The Senate is historically more closed. We should have a decision within 3 to 4 weeks».