State Representative Allen Peake said he will continue to push for the in-state cultivation of medical marijuana in Georgia despite a blue ribbon panel's recommendation against it.

Peake said he will submit a bill that would allow for cannabis production in Georgia, early in the next legislative session despite the results of the panel investigation.

“It stacks the odds against me, that’s for sure. It sure makes it a tougher battle,” Peake said. “And I’m sure not going to pick a fight with Governor Deal because I will lose.”

Governor Deal has said he doubts the ability of the state to keep cannabis production limited to purely medical purposes. Peake said he will continue to present evidence of state level successes to make the case for medical marijuana here.

Georgia Bureau of Investigations head Vernon Keenan cited potential conflict with Federal law as a reason he and other panel members said no to the cultivation of medical cannabis in Georgia. Peake said Federal law should be no obstacle.

“It really is a states rights issue,” Peake said. “We ought not to have to wait on the Federal Government to make changes in Federal law to access to medical cannabis oil.”

Tags: Grant Blankenship, marijuana, cannabis, medical