ATLANTA (AP) - Debate has opened on a bill that would legalize the use of cannabis oil for cancer, seizure disorders and other chronic illnesses.
A House committee discussed the bill on Tuesday. Sponsoring Rep. Allen Peake of Macon says the measure would ease the pain of thousands of people.
Several law enforcement officials say they're worried the bill could lead to legalization of marijuana.
Peake says that won't happen.
He says 17 Georgia families have sought cannabis treatment in other states and that the drug showed positive results.
The House passed a smaller scale bill last year, but it died in the Senate. Gov. Nathan Deal has said that he favors giving immunity to people using cannabis oil for medical treatment. The committee did not vote and plans to hold more hearings.
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