Georgia explores medical marijuana options

— Gov. Nathan Deal is pledging to look for options to help families who say a form of medical marijuana would ease their children's debilitating conditions.

A bill allowing cannabis oil to be legal in Georgia failed to pass before the legislative session ended last week despite support from top Republicans. Time ran out after the bill was caught in last-minute maneuvering by lawmakers.

One step could be the revival of a research program established under a 1980 state law to study the effects of medical marijuana on cancer and glaucoma patients. The program was disbanded a few years later, but the law remains.

Bill sponsor Rep. Allen Peake of Macon says he's already spoken with the governor's office and is confident they will figure out if something can be done.

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