It’s been a crazy last few weeks in the state of Georgia. Hemp and cannabis cultivations, mmj dispensaries, damn!
With all the changes and moving parts that are still in motion, I’m sure many in Georgia and across the country aren’t sure what exactly is happening and how it will effect them if any.
Stanley Atkins II does. Lobbyist and patient advocate, Stanley spends most of his days at the State Capitol mingling with politicians and lobbyist in order to stay in the know of what’s happening in the state.
We spoke with Stanley about the moves made in the state over the last few weeks, his feelings on HB324 and more.
CashColorCannabis: State your name, organization and position.
Stanley Atkins II: My name is Stanley Atkins II also known as “The CanniMedic”, and I am the Georgia Chapter President of Minorities for Medical Marijuana
CashColorCannabis:There are a lot of moves happening in Georgia right now from the Hemp Bill to HB324. Let’s start with the Hemp bill. What’s your take on that or do its expansive enough?
Stanley Atkins II: HB-213 also known as The Georgia Hemp Bill was drafted and introduced into legislature. Upon reading the bill it became apparent that it would potentially put restraints on free trade and economic opportunities within the GA Hemp industry. The initial bill introduces only 3 permits to facilitate the processing of the industrial Hemp. Each permit holder would have an agreement with 10 licensed farmers that would supply their hemp to each them for processing. There are in the midst of amending the bill as well as potentially expanding the number of permit holders in the program Georgia currently has the most restrictive bill in the country, as it currently stands. I feel strongly that the bill will be amended before the end of this legislative session.
CashColorCannabis: What do you feel like the bill is lacking? What are the positives?
Stanley Atkins II: I feel that the bill is lacking one the key elements of including your “local farmer’. It eliminates interstate commerce. I also feel that there should be no limit on the amount of licenses and permits. There are a lot of small farms that have been in families for generations, and these farmers all deserve the right to grow hemp.
As for the positive, the HB-213 and introduces hemp cultivation , and the bill was printed on 100% recyclable paper.
CashColorCannabis: What about HB324. What’s your take on that?
Stanley Atkins II: HB 324 would introduce Cannabis cultivation and dispensing in Georgia. Although I may not be in favor of the entire bill, I am in favor of a progressive step forward. There have been significant talks amongst the different groups to amend the bill in a fashion that is more “favorable”. Many of those whom are offering input were absent during the proceedings leading up to this point. It is too late to offer any significant change that would skew the direction in the which the bill is proposed.
CashColorCannabis. What are the pros and cons of the bill?
Stanley Atkins II: The pros are that we will finally have a program to fulfill the life saving needs of thousands of GA patients. Our current program has been enacted for almost 4 years and patients still do not have a safe access point to obtain the medicine their necessary to treat their conditions. In regards to the “Low THC” moniker, GA has one of the highest THC percentages for “Low THC” programs. This program will allow patients to safely and securely have access to their oil for personal treatment of qualifying conditions.
The cons to the program are that with the current way that it is set up, it limits the availability of small business owners to establish an equitable position within the industry. The Tier 1 license requires $10M in liquid capital in order to apply for a license. Under this tier 1 license this permit holder is allowed to grow unlimited amounts of medical Cannabis to be used in the production of low THC oil. The applicant must also purchase a $5M cash bond. This is aside from the $100,000 application fee.
The Tier 2 license has a requirement of $1M in capital and the applicant is limited to 20,000 sq ft of growing space within their facility.
- The bill includes language that excludes the participation of a convicted felon ( stakeholder, employee, or applicant), unless said felony was more than 10 years old and was also non drug related.
- There is a ban on marketing and sineage for licensed brick and mortar location. Business owners will not be allowed to do any advertising related to THC oil, nor will they be allowed to put an illuminated sign above their facility.
CashColorCannabis: How would you make it better?
Stanley Atkins II: I would like to see a more “inclusive bill” that encompasses the entire demographic of Georgia. This includes small farmers and business owners. This program is set up to disenfranchise any persons unable to afford the permits, thus making them the new minority”
I would like to see the inclusion of flowers in future programs, but I am understanding as to why the state does not want to enter the conversation of flower as a form medication. They have been repetitive conversation regarding ensuring that our program in no way for or fashion resembles a “recreational program”.
I would add add a citizen to the proposed committee of the program, whom would have a background in healthcare.
I would add language that assisted military veterans to participate in the program in an ownership perspective. The average disabled veteran cannot afford the proposed overhead for the current program. I personally feel that Veterans should be near the top of the list for those whom are set to potentially benefit from the program.
CashColorCannabis: Thursday we will know whether or not the state will push forward and allow for hemp and cannabis cultivation. What are your feelings heading towards Thursday? Are you optimistic?
Stanley Atkins II: I am confident as Thursday approaches. I feel that the parties are aligning to promote a bill that is more favorable. I have given and received input in regards to my points of emphasis within the current language. I am happy to say that in working with some of the groups whom have been working diligently on the bill, we have come to multiple common themes. It is apparent that we all are ready for Cannabis cultivation and dispensing in GA. The advocates have been coming together to promote a “unified message”, that our patients need medicine now. We still have work to do once the bill proceeds forward. We have to convince the Senate that the bill should proceed forward and this will take a unified effort.