Emergency Town Hall in Flowery Branch, GA to Address Federal Threats to Medical Cannabis Protections
FLOWERY BRANCH, GA – The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS), in partnership with Americans for Safe Access and Veterans Initiative 22, will host an Emergency Town Hall TODAY, Monday, June 30, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET at the Hall County Library – Spout Springs Branch. This urgent gathering responds to recent developments in Washington that threaten longstanding federal protections for patients and providers in state medical cannabis programs.
Event Details:
Location: Hall County Library – Spout Springs Branch
Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ET
Address: 6488 Spout Springs Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542
Event Info: https://bit.ly/3HLpYWw
However, for the first time in a decade, this language has been excluded from the FY2026 federal budget proposal, potentially opening the door to renewed federal enforcement.
“Without these protections, patients face renewed uncertainty and potential disruption of critical medical treatments," said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access. "It's essential that we not only reinstate these vital safeguards but also push toward comprehensive legislation to secure lasting patient protections at the federal level."
Since 2014, the CJS Amendment—a bipartisan provision in the federal budget—has prohibited the Department of Justice and DEA from interfering with state medical cannabis programs. This protection has served as a lifeline for millions of patients, physicians, and licensed dispensaries.
“Veterans already experience higher-than-average rates of chronic and severe pain and face an elevated risk of suicide," said Shanetha Lewis, Executive Director of Veterans Initiative 22. "Medical cannabis has proven effective in supporting wellness and preventing suicide. Losing these protections could literally cost veterans their lives. We must act immediately."
What’s at Stake:
• Patients could once again face prosecution for accessing state-approved medicine
• Veterans, seniors, and caregivers may lose safe, legal access to treatment
• Physicians could face professional consequences for authorizing medical cannabis
• Licensed dispensaries and providers may be forced to shut down or face federal action
The Town Hall Will Cover:
• The current federal developments and their implications
• How Georgia’s Low THC Oil Program could be impacted
• Civic tools for protecting patient rights and engaging with lawmakers
• How to connect with national advocacy campaigns and take action immediately
“Georgia’s patients and caregivers are now in jeopardy of being criminalized for the medicine they rely on,” said Yolanda Bennett, Co-Founder and Director of Social Justice and Advocacy at GMCS. “Today’s Town Hall is more than a meeting—it is a call to defend our communities. We urge residents from Flowery Branch and surrounding cities to join us and stand united.”
Communities Encouraged to Attend Include: Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Buford, Lawrenceville, Braselton, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Dahlonega, Toccoa, Oakwood, Hartwell, Athens, and Cleveland.
The event is free and open to the public. Media interviews and press access are available upon request.
About the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS):
GMCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Georgia’s trusted voice for medical cannabis education, patient support, and legislative advocacy. GMCS champions access, equity, and reform—placing “Patients Over Profits” at the center of every initiative. Follow GMCS: Instagram: @Gmed_cannabis | Facebook: @GMCS710 | LinkedIn: Georgia Medical Cannabis Society Subscribe to GMCS-TV on YouTube for educational content and legislative updates.
About Americans for Safe Access:
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists, and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
About Veterans Initiative 22:
Veterans Initiative 22 is dedicated to advocating for medical cannabis access for veterans, highlighting the urgent need for alternative treatments for conditions such as PTSD and chronic pain.
Contact: Yolanda Bennett, Co-Founder, Director of Operations, Social Justice, and Advocacy
Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS)
Email: [email protected] Mobile: 404-242-3674 | Office: 678-403-8965
Website: www.georgiamcs.org
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