Georgia bill to expand medical marijuana eligibility stalls

ATLANTA (AP) A bill to expand the diseases eligible for medical marijuana in Georgia has stalled in the Senate with four days remaining in the legislative session.

Republican state Rep. Allen Peake of Macon hoped to pass legislation allowing state-licensed manufacturers of medical marijuana to operate in Georgia. But opposition in the House forced changes.

Now a key state senator says her committee doesn't have time to consider the proposal this year. Republican Sen. Renee Unterman of Buford said Monday she will work on the issue this summer.

Peake describes himself as being ``beyond disappointment'' to not receive a hearing but says he's not giving up for the year.

If signed into law, the bill would extend eligibility to patients with autism, HIV or AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder and several other conditions.