Senate Bill 7

Here we are! 4/20 which is even more informally known as “Weed Day.”

Just 4 days ago on April 16, 2015, Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill making medical cannabis oil legal in Georgia.

After Haleigh Cox, a 5-year-old who struggling with severe seizures and forces to move from Georgia to Colorado, this case spurred a conversation across Atlanta, and across our nation. Many parents, like Haleigh’s, have been petitioning for this bill to pass for other similar medical issues.

We wanted to take a moment to clarify the bill that was passed, review what is not part of this bill, and cover those issues that still remain:

What is Cannabis Oil?

Cannabis Oil (CBD) also known as marijuana oil is an extraction or resins from cannabis flowers using a solvent extraction process and is the most potent of the three main products. It can be orally ingested or applied topically. It can act as a pain reliever, antiemetic and/or may cause a euphoric state of mind and has been used to treat many conditions, including the effects of chronic pain. More negatively, cannabis may cause anxiousness and paranoia.

What conditions are covered by Senate Bill 7?

Although CBD oil can be used for many conditions, the Senate Bill 7 covers conditions and formally diagnosed symptoms including: cancer, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), seizure disorder, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, mitochondrial disease, Parkinson’s and sickle cell. There is a rigid application process and only seven families have the ability to bypass the application process by way of temporary passes. For terms and approved medical industries, click here to read the full bill.

Other states are ahead of Georgia in the passing of a law pertaining to the legalization of CBD oils. “As of July 20, 2014, 12 states had okayed the use of CBD oil, some states as part of research studies…” Georgians with a prescription for CBD oils may have up to 20 ounces but must travel outside of the state to acquire it.

Topical marijuana also has several documented mental health effects, both positive and negative for diagnoses of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and even migraines. For example, in 2003, Harvard released findings that signify that marijuana may contribute to depression, negatively effect the central nervous system which controls function of memory, emotion, cognition, and movement. You can get a break down of these findings here.

However, for families like Haleigh’s, marijuana means that their daughter can live with a higher quality of life. And cancer patients can be free of nausea, vomiting and rapid weight loss associated with chemotherapy.