Some 25,000 medical marijuana patients are one step closer to being able to obtain it legally in Georgia -- though there are still obstacles to overcome.
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission voted to allow two companies to move forward in the growing, processing and distribution of low-THC oil.
Families of the patients who need it are encouraged but skeptical.
“It’s definitely been a long, frustrating process,” said parent Shannon Cloud.
Channel 2 Action News has followed Cloud’s story for years as she struggled to get low-THC oil for her now 17-year-old daughter who suffered from seizures.
“Our focus on this has been not only for our daughter but helping all of the people in Georgia that need access. Right now, there are 25,000 registered patients and they don’t have any way to get the oil,” Cloud said.
That’s because while low THC oil is legal to possess in Georgia, it’s legal to bring into the state.
That’s why the state worked the legalize the growing, processing, and distributing of it -- something that got bogged down in bureaucratic and legal problems until now.
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The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission voted to allow the two large companies to begin the process of moving forward with sites in Cook and Tatnall counties, and then dispensaries in Marietta, Macon, Newnan, and Pooler.
There are still four small companies mired in delays and at least one involved in a lawsuit.
Still, the commission chair told Channel 2′s Richard Elliot that it’s a step in the right direction.
“I know we’re all proud to have some rules in place. It is a milestone in reaching the ultimate goal of providing quality products to our patients across this great state of Georgia,” said Sidney Johnson with the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission.
Cloud said she remains cautiously optimistic, at least until she sees some concrete results.
“We’re encouraged but, you know, I won’t feel a sigh of relief until we see those doors open up in those retail locations and patients can go in and get the oil,” Cloud said.
If all goes according to plan, those dispensaries could be open sometime in the spring.
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