Despite multiple polls showing widespread support for medical marijuana, including cultivation, Governor Nathan Deal remains opposed to in-state cultivation for medical purposes. The unlikely torchbearer for medical marijuana in Georgia, Rep. Allen Peake, remains in favor of in-state cultivation. It appears this issue may be too big of a stumbling block for Peake to remain as a floor leader for Gov. Deal. Peake has resigned his position, without ever making it to the floor. He also cited some personal business issues as well, and a respect for Governor Deal who Peake said deserved someone willing to completely focus on his agenda.
A poll taken by Opinion Savvy just earlier this month showed overwhelming support for the law passed this year that allows the use of cannabis oil for “certain debilitating illnesses.” Nearly 70% “strongly approved” of the new law and nearly 17% “somewhat approved,” just shy of 90% approval. When asked if they “support expanding Georgia’s law to permit the production and distribution of cannabis oil for medical purposes under strict regulation and security in Georgia?” the “strongly support” slipped to 68% and the “somewhat support” slipped to closer to 16%. Not 90% approval but nearly 85%.
It is with those numbers in mind that Rep. Peake continues his mission for medical cannabis oil approval, and its production, in Georgia. Despite the success of the law passed this year, as it stands now, patients in Georgia or their families may obtain cannabis oil for treatment but, without as the parent plant of this particular oil is not allowed in Georgia, those patients or families must seek it outside of Georgia. They can then either undergo treatment in other states or break Federal law and transport it across state lines into Georgia.
A panel studying the possibility of in-state production, after several meetings and hours of testimony, voted down the idea this month in a 9 to 5 decision. Showing perhaps some daylight between the governor and Speaker Ralston on the issue, Ralston was quoted as saying “Unless and until we do that (meaning allow for in-state production), the new law will simply be an unfulfilled hope for the families,” which prompted Peake to take to Twitter noting how proud he is of Speaker Ralston “for his leadership in fighting for hurting Georgians.” Peake also noted that the commission vote was a blow but that he and his supporters “will keep fighting for hurting Georgians.”
Peake had been vice chairman of the Rules Committee in the House but resigned that position to become a floor leader for the governor. The Rules Committee “oversees the flow of legislation from passage in committee and making the determination of what bills should be debated and voted on the House floor.” Peake’s resignation now from the Deal team leaves a big question mark for medical cannabis oil going forward. Peake’s independence may mean he can push a little harder for certain legislation but just how much heft (and who) is behind the pushing could make it harder for bills to make the full trip through the Gold Dome.
