It was on Wednesday that Georgia’s Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 324 into law which now makes it possible to grow and sell marijuana in the state.
This is a huge step for the state which already legalized medicinally marijuana but did not offer patients a way to buy it legally.
The state’s 9,500 patients on the medical marijuana state registry can use the plant for a variety of disorders.
Georgia has 9 acres of indoor growing space for cultivation of medical marijuana oil which will then be sold to the state’s medical marijuana patients.
“All they simply want is to be able to help their kids get well,” Kemp said before he signed the bill at the state Capitol. “We’re ensuring these families can purchase what works for their loved ones without creating a slippery slope that undermines our values.”
“This is a journey that has been long and hard-fought, but today is a victory for every one of these citizens,” remarked state Rep. Micah Gravley, a Republican from Douglasville who sponsored the legislation.
“Now the hard work starts,” said Allen Peake, a former state representative from Macon. “The implementation of the bill is crucial to making sure we get the process done efficiently and quickly, and get medicine to families as soon as possible.”
Pharmacies will now be able to sell the drug if they’re licensed by the State Pharmacy Board.
The bill also allows for the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University to seek licenses to produce and manufacture the oil.
“Families have had to go underground to get this oil. Now they’ll be able to get it legally in the state of Georgia,” said state Rep. Calvin Smyre (D). The key is getting the commission appointed and up and running.”
