The Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgia was established by the Georgia Legislature (HB-265) in 2011 to find ways to reform the justice system and reduce the number of non-violent offenders in prisons.
We support their historic efforts to reform the system. The issue of marijuana law reform has not yet been addressed. We hope the C.A.R.E. Project can help bring awareness to the issue.
Here are some link you should read:
MPP r
eports on the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.
On November 6, 2012, the voters of Colorado approved Amendment 64. Passage of this amendment to the Colorado Constitution repeals the state prohibition of marijuana and replaces it with a system of taxation and regulation. Although marijuana is still prohibited under federal law, 99% of all marijuana arrests are made by state or local authorities, so change in state law will protect the vast majority of Colorado adults who choose to use marijuana.
In a nutshell, what does this amendment do? The amendment makes the personal use, possession, and limited home growing of marijuana legal for adults 21 years of age and older. It establishes a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol. The amendment will set up a system of marijuana distribution comprised of cultivators, product manufacturers (such as for marijuana-infused baked goods), and retail establishments. It also allows for the cultivation, processing, and sale of industrial hemp. Continue reading
MPP reports on the legalization of marijuana in Washington State.
On November 6, 2012, the voters of Washington approved I-502. Passage of this law repeals the state prohibition of marijuana and replaces it with a system of taxation and regulation. Although marijuana is still prohibited under federal law, 99% of all marijuana arrests are made by state or local authorities, so change in state law will protect the vast majority of Washington adults who choose to use marijuana.
In a nutshell, what does this law do? The law legalizes the possession of marijuana for adults age 21 and older under state law. The only marijuana that will be legal to sell in the state will be grown by specially licensed Washington farmers and sold in standalone, marijuana-only stores operated by private Washington businesses licensed and regulated by the state. I-502 also decriminalizes industrial hemp under Washington law. Continue reading
Marijuana Policy Projects reports on the medical marijuana ballot initiative in Massachusetts.
On November 6, 2012, Massachusetts voters approved Question 3, making Massachusetts the 18th state to allow the medical use of marijuana. The Bay State joined its New England neighbors Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Maine in protecting the rights of patients whose doctors recommend medical marijuana.
In a nutshell, what does Question 3 do? Question 3 allows patients with debilitating medical conditions to possess up to a 60-day supply of medical marijuana, and it requires the Department of Public Health to register up to 35 medical marijuana treatment centers — non-profit entities legally authorized to cultivate, process, transport, and distribute medical marijuana — by January 1, 2014. Patients who have limited access to treatment centers may register with the department to cultivate their own limited supply of medical marijuana. Continue reading
A 2009 study report on Arrest, Usage & Related Data by Jon Gettman Ph.D reveals the fiscal and social impact of Georgia’s antiquated marijuana laws.
In 1980 Georgia General Assembly unanimously passed a medical marijuana research act, (Controlled Substance Therapeutic Research Act – Code 43-34-120) becoming one of the first states to recognize the medical benefits of marijuana. With support of Lt. Gov. Zell Miller, House Speaker Tom Murphy, Rep. Virlyn Smith and Governor George Busbee, this landmark legislation opened the doors to therapeutic cannabis. The law relied upon federal cooperation and supply, therefore rendering the law cumbersome and ineffective in accomplishing its goal to further the research into the benefits of medical marijuana.
The legislation stated: “(Studies) indicates that marijuana and certain of its derivatives possess valuable and in some cases, unique therapeutic properties, including the ability to relieve nausea and vomiting which routinely accompany chemotherapy and irradiation used to treat cancer patients.” It also cited the benefit in reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
This is the blog of The Georgia Campaign for Access, Reform & Eduction Project. GA C.A.R.E. Project
We are a coalition of groups, organizations and individuals supporting the reform of Georgia’s antiquated marijuana laws.
We support medical access, law reform & public education on this issues of marijuana the effects the laws have on our state.
We need your support and contributions.
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