Georgia State Representative Jasmine Clark, PhD, has made medical cannabis patient rights and the real-world consequences of changing cannabis laws part of her policy priorities while in office. A scientist by training, Clark has brought that perspective to questions about how laws are written, enforced, and experienced by the people they are meant to serve.
Clark authored HB 496, legislation that would prohibit the scent of marijuana, cannabis, or hemp from serving as the sole basis for a stop, search, seizure, or arrest. The proposal addresses an increasingly important issue as state and federal cannabis and hemp laws continue to change while many law enforcement practices were developed under an entirely different legal framework.
Clear directives and updated training can help law enforcement distinguish between assumptions rooted in old laws and the rights of people participating legally in state medical cannabis programs. By raising the issue, Clark shined a light on an area where outdated practices can contribute to unnecessary encounters, confusion, and discrimination before policymakers even realize a problem exists.
Her advocacy also illustrates why patient rights must remain part of the cannabis policy conversation as laws evolve. Protecting legal access does not end when a medical cannabis program is created. Policymakers must also consider how those laws interact with policing, healthcare, employment, housing, and other institutions patients encounter every day.
“I am a Georgia State Representative and current Democratic nominee for Georgia's 13th Congressional District who has been committed to passing good legislation related to cannabis.”
The Public Courage Award recognizes elected officials who bring cannabis safety and medical access concerns into the policymaking process and give issues affecting patients greater visibility. Clark’s HB 496 has put patient rights, clear enforcement standards, and the consequences of changing cannabis laws before the Georgia Legislature.
Learn more about Rep. Jasmine Clark, PhD:
Campaign website: Jasmine4ga.com
Facebook: Jasmine Clark
HB 496 legislative record: Georgia General Assembly
Instagram: @jasmineforhd108
Legislation tracker: HB 496
Cast your vote for Rep. Jasmine Clark, PhD, for the 2026 Public Courage Award.
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