ATLANTA – The Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC) and the Latino Legislative Caucus recently held the second hearing of the Minority Medical Cannabis Commission at the State Capitol. The purpose of the hearing was to bring awareness to the community and to study ways that the medical cannabis initiative in Georgia can effectively serve the African American and Hispanic populations.
“Creating this commission to raise awareness of the ways in which we can effectively help the African American, Latino and minority communities regarding this issue is vital in the process to move Georgia forward,” said Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D-Lithonia), Chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus (GLBC). “There should be no disparity for people with cancer and other illnesses who could benefit from cannabis oil prescribed by a physician. Every person should have equal access to treatment, and the GLBC encourages everyone to join the fight so that no Georgia citizen has to suffer.”
During Tuesday’s hearing, the commission heard various presentations on the history of cannabis, its misconceptions, and the benefits of cannabinoids in medicine. Presenters included: Dr. Gregory Bledsoe of Full Spectrum Omega, Inc.; Dr. Uma Dhanabalan of Global Health and Hygiene Solutions, LLC; Dr. April Speed of Just Breast, LLC; Dr. Cathy Emeruwa; Kenneth Williams of Neo-Biz Solutions; Stephen Bradley of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP); and Jeremy Sharp of Georgia Students for Sensible Drug Policy. Additionally, personal testimony was received from individuals who use cannabis for medicinal purposes. Representatives from Peachtree NORML and CPR420 also testified before the commission.
Members of the minority commission include: Rep. Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-Red Oak), Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta), Sen. Donzella James (D-Atlanta), Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth), Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain), Rep. Howard Mosby (D-Atlanta), Rep. Nikki Randall (D-Macon), Rep. Dexter Sharper (D-Valdosta), and Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Decatur). The commission is co-chaired by Rep. James Beverly (D-Macon).
The minority commission will hold its next meeting in December 2015 on a date to be announced.
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