ATLANTA (February 12, 2015) | Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Norcross), is a more comprehensive medical marijuana bill. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Non-Civil Committee for consideration.
“I want to applaud Representative Allen Peake’s intention with his bill, House Bill 1,” said Sen. Thompson. “It is likely his bill will also have to pass through the same Judiciary Non-Civil when it crosses over to the Senate.”
“As it stands now, House Bill 1 does not go far enough in order to help all the citizens of Georgia in need of this medical treatment,” said Sen. Thompson. “The language does not do much for middle class Georgians who do not have the money to make trips a couple states away. Also, there is the dangerous notion of the legal hot water as it relates to federal law that could come from bringing the treatment oils across state lines.”
Crossing state lines with cannabis oil remains a federal crime that can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison or a $250,000 fine for an individual and up to $1,000,000 fine for a corporation. Marijuana is still a Schedule 1 drug. Federal law also prohibits it from being carried on an airplane or being sent through the mail.
“I look forward to working with Representative Peake, interested state legislators, the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor to create the best bill possible for all Georgians,” said Sen. Thompson. “The legislative process has a number of different points for input, improvement and collaboration. This measure is so important that we all must work together.”
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For Immediate Release:
February 12, 2015
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Brett Johnson, Broadcast Specialist
Brett.Johnson@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028