We, Jennifer Reaves RN & Gail Adjanasuknart RN, are social activists and nurse practitioner students who support House Bill 722. We believe the medical benefits of medical marijuana can positively impact the lives of those that suffer from health conditions such as severe intractable seizures and cancer. Research on medical marijuana is limited, making it difficult to prove the benefits of this treatment. In the limited, but promising studies on cannabis use and epilepsy there proved to be a reduction in seizure activity and with no known side effects reported. Additionally, in animal studies completed by the National Cancer Institute, cannabis usage proved to eradicate cancer cells. The benefits of medical marijuana are encumbered by the current legal red tape in Georgia. However, due to the legal issues only a restricted amount of research can be done. Currently, it is illegal in the State of Georgia to purchase and cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes. Additionally, it’s illegal to transport marijuana across state lines. It’s a felony offense punishable with incarceration in Georgia up to 40 years with steep financial penalties up to 1 million dollars.

So what can you do? You can: call your legislator, sign a petition, write a letter, become an activist supporting the legalization of medical cannabis in Georgia, educate yourself on the medical benefits of cannabis, and self-reflect on your prejudice on such a powerful medication.

It’s HIGH TIME that we reach a turning point in Georgia and remove the social stigma on a revolutionary therapy that could save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Georgians.

Sign our petition supporting House Bill 722.