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Local lawmakers support the concept of medical marijuana and the start of clinical trials at Georgia Regents University – tests that potentially could lead to passage of a bill that would legalize medicinal pot in the state.
The devil, of course, is in the details. And in this case he's hiding in the weeds.
"In substance, I'm very supportive of these goals," said state Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armuchee. "In principle I'm supportive."
Lumsden is quick to note that his support is limited to cannabidiol – the non-psychoactive substance found in marijuana that Georgia Regents is testing in its clinical trials. He opposes legalizing recreational use of pot.
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, also supports the initiative that's found a home in House Bill 1, filed by state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon. Cannabidiol has shown effectiveness against seizures and has no psychoactive components, Hufstetler said.
Peake's bill, however, is broader than the one he filed last session, Hufstetler said. The previous bill pinpointed cannabidiol. The new one would allow "certain registered patients to use and possess medical cannabis and its derivatives."
"I wouldn't support carte blanche to use it for anything at this time," the senator added. "I've got some concerns there," he said.
There's also the concern that medical marijuana is illegal. State Rep. Christian Coomer, R-Cassville, opposed Peake's bill last session because he feared it conflicted with federal law.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says marijuana in a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act and has no accepted medical use in the United States.
Congress, however, included language in a December spending bill signed by President Barack Obama that prohibits the Justice Department from spending money to enforce that ban in the states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal use.
"If there's no constitutional conflict, it makes sense to allow scientists to perform the research," Coomer said. "I wouldn't be opposed to a bill that allows that. I don't want to take it lightly."
Lumsden and Hufstetler said they expect attorneys for both chambers of the General Assembly to thoroughly study any bill and ensure it meets constitutional muster.
State Rep. Katie Demp-sey, R-Rome, wants to see Peake's bill move through the legislative process before forming an opinion.
Dempsey, who serves on the House's Health and Human Services Committee, examined Peake's medical marijuana bill last year. She supports clinical trials and restrictive use of the drug for medical reasons.
Dempsey's committee heard from those affected by seizures, some of whom have 100 each day. She supports any legal action that would help kids with seizures.
"I certainly hope we can do something to help," she said. "It just changes one's life to have a seizure."
News Moderator: 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical marijuana gaining support among local lawmakers as clinical trials begin in Georgia - Rome News-Tribune: Local
Author: Alan Riquelmy
Contact: romenewstribune@rn-t.com
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
Website: Northwest Georgia News: Northwestgeorgianews.com is the online home for the Rome News-Tribune, Calhoun Times, Polkfishwrap, Catoosa County News and Walker County Messenger.
The devil, of course, is in the details. And in this case he's hiding in the weeds.
"In substance, I'm very supportive of these goals," said state Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R-Armuchee. "In principle I'm supportive."
Lumsden is quick to note that his support is limited to cannabidiol – the non-psychoactive substance found in marijuana that Georgia Regents is testing in its clinical trials. He opposes legalizing recreational use of pot.
Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, also supports the initiative that's found a home in House Bill 1, filed by state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon. Cannabidiol has shown effectiveness against seizures and has no psychoactive components, Hufstetler said.
Peake's bill, however, is broader than the one he filed last session, Hufstetler said. The previous bill pinpointed cannabidiol. The new one would allow "certain registered patients to use and possess medical cannabis and its derivatives."
"I wouldn't support carte blanche to use it for anything at this time," the senator added. "I've got some concerns there," he said.
There's also the concern that medical marijuana is illegal. State Rep. Christian Coomer, R-Cassville, opposed Peake's bill last session because he feared it conflicted with federal law.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says marijuana in a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act and has no accepted medical use in the United States.
Congress, however, included language in a December spending bill signed by President Barack Obama that prohibits the Justice Department from spending money to enforce that ban in the states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal use.
"If there's no constitutional conflict, it makes sense to allow scientists to perform the research," Coomer said. "I wouldn't be opposed to a bill that allows that. I don't want to take it lightly."
Lumsden and Hufstetler said they expect attorneys for both chambers of the General Assembly to thoroughly study any bill and ensure it meets constitutional muster.
State Rep. Katie Demp-sey, R-Rome, wants to see Peake's bill move through the legislative process before forming an opinion.
Dempsey, who serves on the House's Health and Human Services Committee, examined Peake's medical marijuana bill last year. She supports clinical trials and restrictive use of the drug for medical reasons.
Dempsey's committee heard from those affected by seizures, some of whom have 100 each day. She supports any legal action that would help kids with seizures.
"I certainly hope we can do something to help," she said. "It just changes one's life to have a seizure."
News Moderator: 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Medical marijuana gaining support among local lawmakers as clinical trials begin in Georgia - Rome News-Tribune: Local
Author: Alan Riquelmy
Contact: romenewstribune@rn-t.com
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
Website: Northwest Georgia News: Northwestgeorgianews.com is the online home for the Rome News-Tribune, Calhoun Times, Polkfishwrap, Catoosa County News and Walker County Messenger.
