Georgia state lawmakers OK medical marijuana as seizure treatment

By David Beasley ATLANTA (Reuters) – A Georgia measure that would legalize use of a liquid, non-intoxicating form of marijuana for patients with severe seizure disorders has been passed by the state House of Representatives with wide support. Lawmakers approved the legislation on Monday in a 171-4 bipartisan vote, and the bill, which would limit availability of medical marijuana to a handful of research facilities, now goes to the state Senate for consideration. The measure's sponsor, Republican Representative Allen Peake, said he had become interested in the issue after learning about a constituent's 4-year-old daughter, who suffers from a seizure disorder. "I couldn't be more proud of my colleagues for the courageous vote they cast." Medical marijuana in various forms is legal in 20 states.