Certain Georgia pharmacies are preparing to offer cannabis-infused products to eligible patients later this year. However, for some individuals who could potentially benefit from these products, the stringent regulations have created significant barriers to legal access.
Representative Eric Bell, a Democrat from Georgia, is leading a coalition dedicated to reforming the state’s marijuana laws. During a recent press conference, they announced their intention to take their cause to the state legislature, advocating for the reform of Georgia’s cannabis laws.
“We are committed to achieving restorative justice and the decriminalization of cannabis in Georgia,” stated Representative Bell, as he unveiled plans to introduce a bill aimed at overhauling the state’s current marijuana regulations at the outset of the next legislative session.
Under Georgia’s existing laws, qualifying patients will be able to purchase low-dose THC oils from select pharmacies before the year’s end. However, the New Georgia Project Action Fund argues that the current regulations are excessively restrictive. They point out that in nearly all of Georgia’s cities (all but 12), possessing marijuana remains a criminal offense.
“This restriction affects just 2% of our state’s cities,” noted Takia Tinsley, an activist supporting Representative Bell’s bill. “The remaining 98% disproportionately impact Black individuals, despite the fact that statistics show that marijuana usage rates among Blacks, whites, and other demographic groups are similar.”
A clinical director at a methadone clinic in Metro Atlanta highlighted that her patients do not qualify under the existing law but could potentially derive significant benefits from cannabis products. She emphasized the stigma that individuals who have successfully overcome illicit opiate addiction face when using THC.
“Individuals whom we assist in their journey to overcome illicit opiate abuse now confront the social stigma associated with THC use,” explained Joelyn Alfred, the clinical director at the Lakeland Centers.
Earlier this year, a bill similar to Representative Bell’s proposal failed to advance out of committee. However, these activists are determined to increase pressure on lawmakers.
“We are calling for the expungement of minor marijuana-related offenses, greater opportunities for Black Georgians to establish medicinal marijuana businesses, and ultimately, the full legalization of marijuana in Georgia,” the coalition declared.
The coalition faces a significant uphill battle in the state capitol, particularly in the absence of bipartisan support. Winning the backing of some Georgia Republicans is crucial, but they have historically been hesitant to support more lenient marijuana laws.