Licenses to grow medical marijuana in Georgia to be announced

ATLANTA – For about a decade, families have long been fighting for the only thing that will free their loved ones from disease-related pain: medical marijuana.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp set up a commission two years ago to guide the process in the state. Now six companies are on the verge of legality Medical marijuana manufacturing in Georgia. However, there is still a long way to go.

Families gathered at the Georgia State Capitol, where they spent countless nights trying to convince lawmakers. Two of these families said that they hope this is a step in the right direction but be careful after everything they have been through.

Jessica Reid says she loves watching her son, who will be four in a few weeks, grow.

“Emmanuel is a joy. He’s a joy! He’s always smiling,” Reid said.

Emmanuel has a rare and debilitating form of epilepsy and was diagnosed for a. authorized Medical marijuana card when drugs on the market didn’t help.

“He’s still trying. You can see that personality, that glow in his eyes, to say, ‘Oh, this is a new kid, I want to play with this kid.’ That’s what this oil does, “she said.

While possession of medical marijuana is legal with a license, it’s still illegal in the state to buy it, which Reid said her son was almost taken away.

“It’s in his medical records, but we still had the family and children’s services department that came to my house and threatened to take my child because they said I was giving an illegal substance to a minor,” she said.

Reid has been fighting with other families in Georgia for years to legalize access to the drugs.

“Governor Kemp appointed this commission two years ago, and it took a long time to get these licenses. So the whole process has been very frustrating. But we hope good things come,” said Shannon Cloud.

Cloud has been advocating their children’s access for almost 10 years.

“It’s so frustrating that something that is so useful to so many people can be so difficult to get into patients’ hands,” she said.

Cloud said it would likely be at least a year for the companies selected to grow, harvest and sell their products, but she and Reid are looking to the future.

“This medicine will help him walk, help him speak, eat alone. And I don’t have to worry about the police coming to my door because they’re here now, ”Reid said. “I don’t have to do anything illegal to get it.

The commission meets in Rock Springs, Georgia on Saturday to announce the companies selected to legally produce medical marijuana.

The families waiting for the decision fear that lawsuits from unselected companies could slow down the process even further.