Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal today signed HB 1, legislation that permits the use of medical cannabis oil to treat certain conditions.
"For the families enduring separation and patients suffering pain, the wait is finally over," Deal said in a news release. "Now, Georgia children and their families may return home while continuing to receive much-needed care. Patients such as Haleigh Cox, for whom this bill is named, and others suffering from debilitating conditions can now receive the treatment they need, in the place where they belong: Georgia."
Patients with the following conditions are eligible for medical cannabis oil under this law: cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, mitochondrial disease, Parkinson's and sickle cell.
"Today, HB 1 officially became Georgia state law, and we can now begin the highly anticipated process of bringing our medical refugees back home to Georgia," sponsor Rep. Allen Peake said. "I am extremely grateful to Gov. Deal for his continued leadership and for making this historic and monumental day happen. The true heroes, without which none of this would have been possible, are the families who fought courageously and tirelessly to see this legislation through to its passage."