Georgia
Georgia veterans fighting for expanded access to medical cannabis
Georgia veterans fight for low THC oil access
Georgia is home to more than 600,000 veterans according to US Census data. More than 30% of them live with a disability, but not all qualify to be on the state’s low THC oil registry. One veteran who spoke with FOX 5 Atlanta says he wants to change that.
ATLANTA – There’s a growing push for expansion of medical cannabis in Georgia and some veterans in the state are among the group hoping to see more access for servicemen and women struggling to adjust to civilian life.
“Life is worth living and life is tough…life is a daily fight,” said Gary Herber.
More than a decade has passed since Herber’s time serving in the army came to an end, but the Purple Heart recipient says every day is still a battle fueled by PTSD.
Herber says he’s found some relief in managing it since becoming one of the 14,000 Georgia residents on the state’s low THC oil registry.
“For those of us that just know that fight every single day, a program like this and medicines like this can make that fight a little easier,” he explained.
Georgia is home to more than 600,000 veterans according to US Census data.
More than 30 percent of them live with a disability, but not all qualify to be on the state’s low THC oil registry. Herber says he wants to change that.
“Look into these programs…it’s made a huge difference in my life.”
He’s now working alongside physicians and officials with Fine Fettle, one of six dispensaries licensed in the state, to push for increased access.
“Some of the biggest things with PTSD is the nightmares, the night terrors, the social anxiety. I see a lot of that,” said Dr. Tiffani Forbes.
Currently, PTSD is one of 17 disorders that qualify individuals to join the state registry.
Forbes says low THC oil is formulated to help people dealing with those issues and she hopes to see Anxiety and Depression, among other disorders, added to that list as well as expanded access to cannabis in other forms.
“Here in the state of Georgia, we haven’t included flower, smoke or capable products…it’s certainly not for everyone but it is surely the quickest onset of action when we’re talking about giving people relief,” she added.
This will likely be a hot topic as state lawmakers reconvene for the upcoming legislative session. Lawmakers will head back to the Georgia State Capitol on Jan. 13, 2025.
The US House Armed Services Committee has approved two amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) concerning Georgia. The amendments were proposed by Congressman Joe Wilson (Republican).
“The Committee expresses concern over the detentions and arrests of opposition leaders, activists, and other individuals in Georgia, who are widely regarded as political prisoners, and believes that this issue should be consistently and appropriately raised at a high level in bilateral relations with the Government of Georgia and the Georgian Armed Forces.
Therefore, the Committee directs the Secretary of Defense to submit to the House Armed Services Committee, no later than October 1, 2026, an unclassified report detailing the Department of Defense’s strategy for incorporating the issue of political prisoners into military engagement with Georgia,” the document states.
The second amendment concerning Georgia directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of State, to submit a classified report to the relevant congressional committees no later than 180 days after the NDAA enters into force. The report will examine the penetration of Russian and Chinese intelligence elements and their assets into Georgia, as well as study the potential intersection of Russian and Chinese influence and cooperation in Georgia.
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Wilson Road bridge has shut down as of Thursday night after a recent state inspection identified structural deficiencies.
The bridge, which connects Georgia and Tennessee, will be fully closed to all traffic and remain that way until repairs are completed that satisfy Tennessee Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration safety requirements.
Errol Williams with the city of Chattanooga says he believes the impact on nearby residents and commuters will be manageable.
“There are multiple routes that they can take, which is funny because a lot of the residents in that area are familiar with those ways of getting to and from. But that plan is in place,” Williams says.
Chattanooga Public Works crews have installed warning signs and barricades and city officials are coordinating detour routes with Walker County.
Northbound Detour Route:
- Turn onto Glentana Street
- Continue onto Maple Street
- Turn left onto Williams Street
- Continue onto Hooker Road northbound to reconnect with your route
Southbound Detour Route:
- Turn onto Workman Road
- Turn onto Rossville Boulevard southbound
- Turn onto McFarland Avenue southbound
- Merge/Continue onto Maple Street
- Continue onto Glentana Street to reconnect with your route
The city says they’re working to identify the scope, funding and project delivery plan needed to address deteriorating structural elements and return the bridge to service.
After a repair plan is created and executed, the bridge will be re-inspected before it reopens.
Georgia is being invaded by tegu lizards that are taking over the state
Argentine black and white tegus have not been a threat to humans and common household pets, but do pose a danger to native species.
USA TODAY
Georgians pride themselves on Southern hospitality, but there’s one animal that’s overstayed its welcome.
The state department of natural resources and its partners are working hard to remove the Argentine tegus trying to build a home here.
What is a tegu?
The tegu is a large, invasive, commonly black and white lizard from Argentina. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weighing 10 pounds or more, according to Georgia Wildlife. Unlike some other lizards, the tegu rarely climbs more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers.
From late fall and through the winter months, tegus head into burrows for brumation, a hibernation-type period, to avoid freezing temperatures. They usually breed in the spring and typically lay 35 eggs per year which have a 60-day incubation. They may live up to 20 years.
What does a tegu look like?
The Argentine tegu has mottled black and white skin. The colors are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. The green fades after they reach about one month of age.
Where have tegus been reported in Georgia?
The University of Georgia runs an interactive map with detailed info about tegus in Georgia. Over the last few years, there have been 56 reports spread out across counties across the state. Here are the counties with the most reports:
- Tattnall County: 16
- Toombs County: 10
- Gwinnett County: 5
Are tegus dangerous?
Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened, according to Georgia Wildlife. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They also have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.
Tegus also represent a natural threat because they have few predators and can multiple quickly. They eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles like the American alligator and gopher tortoise which are protected species. They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals.
Can you kill a tegu if you see it?
Tegus can be trapped or killed on private property in Georgia with the landowner’s permission and using legal methods in accordance with local ordinances, animal cruelty laws, and safety precautions.
Also, on public Wildlife Management Areas, tegus can be killed with firearms legal for the current hunting season. Using traps to catch tegus is not allowed. Anyone who sees a tegu on a WMA should also alert that region’s Game Management office.
How do you report a possible tegu?
Contact Georgia DNR when you see a tegu in the wild, dead or alive. These reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting:
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
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