Georgia residents have been on a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to medical marijuana–or more specifically CBD oil, a non-psychoactive component of the plant–and those with epilepsy who have been anxiously awaiting legalization are not likely happy.
After what is often referred to as the "immunity" legislation (158-2) passed in the House last week, providing immunity for Georgia residents who bring CBD oils in from other states, new legislation has been filed in the Senate that "would set up a four-year study rather than making the drug available immediately," according to Online Athens.
"The new bill by Sen. Lindsey Tippins would limit the oil's use to children under 18 with epilepsy who are taking part in a research trial to be conducted through the University System of Georgia," Online Athens reports.
For some background, first, a bill was introduced "(which expired with the previous legislative session)–House Bill 885–'that would have made it legal to produce and sell CBD oil for use by children with seizure disorders,'" reported Cannabis Business Times (CBT).
Next, “[Rep. Allen Peake (R-Macon)] crafted a similar bill, HB 1, for the 2015 legislative calendar. It was to go before the Georgia House on Jan. 12, but Peake and Governor Deal announced Jan. 9 that HB 1 would be scrapped in favor of legislation providing legal ‘immunity’ for Georgia residents who bring CBD oils in from other states,” CBT also reported.
The "immunity"Â legislation (158-2)Â was passed overwhelmingly in the House last week.