Lawmaker plans new push for medical marijuana bill

ATLANTA (AP) A Georgia lawmaker hoping to expand the number of people eligible for medical marijuana plans another push after his original proposal stalled in the Senate.

Republican Rep. Allen Peake of Macon says he plans to propose changes to an unrelated bill scheduled for a committee hearing on Tuesday.

Peake's bill extending immunity for possessing medical cannabis oil to patients with autism, HIV or AIDS, post-traumatic stress disorder and several other conditions stalled in a Senate committee.

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

Lawmakers last year approved allowing people with certain medical conditions to legally possess cannabis oil in Georgia. Patients say they still must travel to states where the product can be manufactured.