Medical marijuana refugees return home to better life
Georgia medical marijuana refugees are returning home from places like Colorado, now that they have temporary permits to legally use cannabis oil in the state.
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Two months ago, Georgia passed a controversial and life-changing law for some families in need of medical marijuana.
Corey Lowe's daughter Victoria was one of the first people in the state to receive a temporary permit to use it. Victoria suffers from mitochondrial disease and an incredible number of seizures, but Lowe said cannabis oil helps.
"She would have 50 a day, 50 to 100 a day, before cannabis oil -- gut wrenching," said Corey Lowe.
Lowe said she tried everything -- dozens of drugs, any kind of medicine she could get her hands on -- but it didn't work.
"They couldn't get her seizures to stop," said Lowe.
That's when she decided to pack up and take Victoria to Colorado, where she could legally use cannabis oil.
They left the rest of their family behind.
"I missed their first day of school, and I missed my son's birthday, our anniversary, my husband's birthday," Lowe said.
While in Colorado, Lowe said she saw massive changes. Victoria's stopped having so many seizures. Her life improved.
So after a few months, the two returned to Georgia to fight for the legalization of medical marijuana in their home state.
In April of 2015, it happened. A form of cannabis oil was approved for medical use.
"It's been a huge relief, it has been," said Lowe.
Victoria was one of the first people in the state to receive a temporary medical marijuana permit while the system is put in place.
Lowe said Victoria now has days without seizures. Seeing that motivates her to fight for other kids, other people who she says need medical marijuana.
"To have people reach out to me and say thank you I have my life back you know and I've never met them, it makes it all worth it," Lowe said.
It's a fight she said she's going to continue next session because it's still illegal to buy and cultivate medical marijuana in Georgia.
Meanwhile, state officials are working out the system that will allow patients across Georgia to receive medical marijuana later this year. That system should be in place soon.
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