Why Georgia Sheriffs are fighting medical marijuana cultivation
ATLANTA -- The fight for legal cultivation of medical marijuana continues, but it’s coming under direct fire from some influential voices in Georgia.
Alongside Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia law enforcement community has a strong, influential voice.
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They believe it will lead to the cultivation of recreational marijuana
That power has been used recently to speak out against the growing of legal medical marijuana in Georgia.
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The Georgia Sheriff’s Association is helping to lead that fight, but, the question is why?
“I don’t think Georgia’s ready for it,” said Sheriff Steve Wilson, Walker County Sheriff and Georgia Sheriff’s Association President. 11Alive is holding the powerful accountable to see if the root of their concern is valid.
That all depends on who you are talking to when you are talking about cultivation.
Photos | The fight for medical marijuana in Georgia
11Alive’s Chris Hopper recently sat down with Sheriff Steve Wilson, the Walker County Sheriff and President of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association.
“What will we want next?”
What is next?
The unknowns, always leading back to one big elephant in the room during this discussion.
“My question is, will it be cultivation for recreational purposes?”
Medical marijuana leading to recreational marijuana is clearly the concern for Wilson and Georgia’s sheriffs.
“We’re taking baby steps toward recreational marijuana in Georgia.”
House Bill 1 passed last year allowing certain types of patients to possess and use cannabis oil.
This year House Bill 722, in committee currently, would allow a larger group of patients to purchase cannabis that is grown here.
“I think everyone would love to be able to draw that line but it seems like when we draw that line while you have your head turned somebody wants to step across that line.”
But is it fair?
Fair to ask patients to go to great lengths to obtain a drug they deem legal to use and possess.
“Sometimes we’re dealt hands we don’t necessarily like but we are dealt those hands and we have to do the best we can with them,” said Wilson.
Wilson admits there may be a way to at least bring the legal cultivation of medical marijuana in Georgia to the table for discussion.
He believes it’s possible if it is grown in a university setting and is tightly and strictly controlled by the federal government.
Another hearing on House Bill 722 where opponents will get a chance to speak is on Friday.
A vote on the bill in committee could come as early as next week.
Photos | Georgia dad vows to grow medical marijuana
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