EDITORIAL: Two issues that will make this session interesting

The 2016 Legislative session begins Monday and State Rep. Allen Peake pre-filed his proposal to allow a very limited number (six) of licenses for the cultivation of medical marijuana in Georgia on Wednesday, something Gov. Nathan Deal has already said he wouldn't support due to law enforcement concerns.

Peake's proposal would also allow use of the drug by sufferers of more ailments than those presently allowed. Still, sufferers or the families who care for them have to leave the state to acquire the drug and risk becoming federal law breakers when crossing state lines upon their return — all for a drug that has zero street value.

Of course, the governor's opposition is specious. We will wait and see if he has such law enforcement concerns when the proposals come flying through the General Assembly to allow casinos in the state. House and Senate study committees are already perusing six destination locations scattered in five geographic areas: Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and South Georgia. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, MGM Resorts International has said it's prepared to invest $1 billion in an Atlanta casino. We wonder what law enforcement officials will have to say about that. We wonder if they'll be asked.

This story was originally published January 7, 2016 at 8:04 PM with the headline "EDITORIAL: Two issues that will make this session interesting ."