Marijuana Legalized in Georgia; 8 Diseases Medical Cannabis Can Help Cure

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Governor Nathan Deal signed the bill that legalizes medical marijuana in the state of Georgia last Thursday.

The signed legislation was sponsored by state representative Allen Peake, a Republican from Macon. Under the new law, it is now legal for people to possess up to 20 ounces of cannabis oil. The oil must not contain more than five percent tetrahydrocannabinoil (THC), the psychoactive agent that produces a "high" when using weed, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

As of last Thursday, Georgia is the 36th US state to legalize medical marijuana to treat medical conditions such as:

1.) Lou Gehrig's Disease

It is also referred as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. This disease affects the neuromusclular system, which controls everyday activities such as breathing, walking, running, and lifting, according to Teens Health.

2.) Cancer

According to Medical News Today, cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the body which can interfere with the body's normal functions.

3.) Multiple Sclerosis

MS is a disease that causes myelin damage that irreversibly deteriorates the nerves. Its cause is currently still unknown, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

4.) Crohn's Disease

An inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract lining which can cause severe diarrhea, malnutrition, abdominal pain, and fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic.

5.) Mitochondrial Disease

Mitochondrial disease a genetic and progressive disorder that occurs when the mitochondria of the body do not produce the energy needed for the cell or organ to function, according to Mito Action.

6.) Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease progressively affects the nervous system which can affect the body's movement, according to WebMD.

7.) Sickle Cell Anemia

According to NIH, sickle cell anemia occurs when the body produces crescent-shaped or sickle-shaped red blood cells that are stiff and sticky. These cells block blood follow in the bessels of the limbs and organs.

8.) Epilepsy and other seizure disorders

Medicine Net describes epilepsy as a brain disorder that sometimes causes muscle spasms, convulsions, and loss of consciousness.

"For the families enduring separation and patients suffering pain, the wait is finally over," Deal said referring to those who had to go to other states to acquire the drug. Now, Georgia children and their families may return home while continuing to receive much-needed care. Patients such as Haleigh Cox, for whom this bill is named, and others suffering from debilitating conditions can now receive the treatment they need, in the place where they belong - Georgia."

The Governor hugged the five-year-old child who has epilepsy, Haleigh, and her mother, Janea Cox. The two have to go to Colorado while husband, Brian, stayed in Georgia, according to StarTribune.

Marijuana possession is still illegal under federal law but if special guidelines are followed, the US Justice Department will not prohibit states that want to legalize medical marijuana. Joseph Moses, a special agent for the Drug Enforcement Agent, said that the DEA will "hold to those guidelines.