Georgia governor signs medical marijuana bill News
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Georgia governor signs medical marijuana bill

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill Wednesday that will allow the production and sale of marijuana for medical purposes. 

A law passed in 2015 had already legalized the use of low-THC cannabis oil for medical purposes but did not legalize the production, sale or possession of those oils, inhibiting patient access.

The new law also establishes a state commission to license growers and dispensaries. Commissioners will be appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. Licenses will be awarded by competitive application, with only two class 1 licenses available to grow marijuana plants on an industrial scale. The law also allows for cannabis research at two universities designated by the state: the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University.

Currently, individuals with PTSD, Parkinson’s disease and cancer are permitted to use cannabis oil after registering with the state.

The act makes Georgia the thirty-third state to legalize medical marijuana.