Law & Politics

Georgia Lawmakers Push Bills to Legalize Cannabis, Source: https://www.aclu.org/blog/criminal-law-reform/seeing-believing-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-possibleGeorgia politicians are pushing for cannabis legislation once again this legislative session. Past attempts by Georgia legislatures have pushed for cannabis legalization for medical purposes, but democratic state Senator Curt Thompson is pushing for legalization for the public as well as those who use cannabis for medication. Sen. Thompson introduced two bills, one which would allow for individuals with certain illnesses to purchase full plant medical cannabis, and one which would allow for regulated retail sale of cannabis to adults.

Thompson is arguing for legalization under the merits of the tax revenue legal cannabis would generate. Under the new bills he plans to tax cannabis sales, Thompson would tax the drug and direct funds for education and transportation projects. “You could conceivably be raising $160 million a year,” Thompson told Atlanta Channel 2.

Sen. Thompson wants to at the very least begin the conversation on cannabis legalization in Georgia. “We are the 10th-largest state and we ought to have a voice and be talking about this and we ought to be getting folks involved,” he said. The senator knows full well that he has his work cut out for him in the legislation battle for legalization, but he is determined in his goal. When asked how long he intends to continue the conversation on legalization Thompson replied, “Until something passes, as long as it takes”.