On February 10, 2015, N.O.R.M.L. hosted the Rally for Peace, Justice & Unity in Atlanta to call attention to the re-legalization of whole plant cannabis (marijuana) for medicine and relaxation. Attended by more than 100 supporters, the media was focused on 75 year old glaucoma patient Elvy Musikka, one of only four remaining federal medical marijuana patients.

Georgia C.A.R.E. is proud to have sponsored bringing Elvy to town for this event.

Elvy’s day started at 6 am with a studio interview with WXIA 11 Alive morning show. She later did numerous interviews and shared her personal story.

Elvy joined a group of activists making their rounds through the capitol, dropping off information to legislators as part of Georgia C.A.R.E. 3rd Annual Cannabis Awareness Day.

During several media interview Elvy held a container of cannabis cigarettes. This may have been the first time in the history of the Gold Dome to have marijuana publicly displayed.

Just before the rally at 1 pm, Elvy walked to the Liberty Plaza sidewalk to medicate as media cameras and reporters followed. She opened a large child-proof container and pulled out a cigarette and lit it up. After a deep inhale and a few puffs she scratched the cigarette out on the sidewalk as capitol police walked by and ignored the media show. She then gave the media a lesson on medical marijuana.

James Bell, Georgia C.A.R.E. director said he wanted to bring Elvy to Atlanta to demonstrate that whole plant marijuana can be safely used and transported by a patient. Elvy flew into town with a canister of 300 federally approved pre-rolled cigarettes. She is permitted and has credentials showing federal approval.

Prompted by a CBS 46 reporter “So Uncle Sam is your dealer?”, “Uncle Sam is my provider”, Elvy responded.

“She came to Atlanta and the sky did not fall, no one was hurt, no one arrested, and life goes on”, said James Bell. “Unfortunately, she is one one of four who can legally do this in America.”

In Georgia, possession of the amount of marijuana (28 grams or more) given to her by the federal government carries a sentience of up to 10 years in state prison.

Bell said Georgia is headed in the wrong direction with medical marijuana.

“We need in-state cultivation, whole plant medicine and we need to let doctors determine how to administer cannabis to patients, not people wearing badges and hand cuffs”, said Bell

The history of medical marijuana in Georgia goes back to 1979 – 1980 with the passage of a marijuana research act that included treatment for glaucoma and cancer therapy. More than 100 patients were under this program in Georgia. The research was halted when the feds cut off the legal supply, the same source that currently provide Elvy with her medicine – the University of Mississippi and the Research Triangle.

Rally speakers also pushed for out right legalization of marijuana. “Marijuana is not a crime, we are not criminals” proclaimed James Bell from the microphone.

Other guests included representative from Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (L.E.A.P.), Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) and a special guest State Senator Curt Thompson who has filed Senate Bill 7 and Senate Resolution 6 that would allow in-state cultivation and whole plant medicine and a constitution amendment to be voted on by the public legalizing marijuana.

Georgia C.A.R.E. would like to thank Sharon Ravert and Peachtree N.O.R.M.L. for hosting the event and everyone who made this possible. We would also like to thank the activists who came out to lobby and support Cannabis Awareness Day. You have made a big impact.

The legalization movement is alive and well in Georgia.