Gov. Deal Announces Medical Marijuana and Foster Care Privatization Pathways

He says the first pathway would expand a federal clinical trial already underway along with the assistance of Georgia Regents University.A private company is conducting the FDA trial.

Deal also says the state would like to oversee its own clinical study led by Georgia Regents University using cannabidiol oil  grown on a farm by the National Institute on Drug Abuse at a farm in  Mississippi. As part of the study Georgia Regents University would partner with other research facilities across the state.

“This is something I should say at this point in time that is not necessarily going to provide immediate relief. It is something that will probably require many months, hopefully not many years, but it will move us forward with our goal of giving help to families and children who have these problems.”  

The action comes after both legislative chambers passed legislation aimed at legalizing the use of an oil based form of medical marijuana for seizure disorders. However, the bill failed to gain final approval due to arguments between state House and Senate leaders after legislation to require private insurance companies to cover autism treatment for young children was attached to the bill.

Deal also announced a two region pilot program to privatize part of the state’s child welfare system.

“In the event that we do go further it would probably be the format we would recommend statewide, but we want to make sure it works, and we want to give it a fair opportunity to produce positive results.”

The two regions have yet to be announced, but private companies will oversee the placement, recruitment and retention of foster families.

Meanwhile, the state’s Division of Family and Children Services will continue to oversee case management responsibilities.

The effort comes after lawmakers could not reach an agreement on legislation to privatize a portion of the state’s child welfare system.