States around the country, 20 in total, have been legalizing marijuana.

While medical marijuana is controversial, many states are beginning to recognize the importance in legalizing the drug for its many medical benefits, and many people who can utilize those benefits are moving to those states.

Medical marijuana can be used to treat Glaucoma, reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and improve lung health, control epileptic seizures, help stop the spread of cancer in the body, decrease anxiety, slow Alzheimer’s, ease the pain of multiple sclerosis, relieve arthritis, and much more.

An Atlanta lawmaker is motioning to put the topic of legalizing medical marijuana in the state of Georgia, on the discussion table.

Democratic Georgia State Senator Curt Thompson proposed two bills this month.

One of the bills allows for the sale of full plant medical marijuana for people with illnesses in which marijuana is beneficial to their health.

The second bill would allow regulated retail stores to sell marijuana to adults.

If the second bill is passed, the state would tax the drug and use the money to fund statewide education initiatives and transportation projects.

According to Thompson, “You could conceivably be raising $160 million a year.”

Thompson says that families with children who suffer from seizures are pushing for this bill.

It is important to keep in mind the benefits of marijuana when considering legalization and that is what Thompson is calling for.

Thompson says that he realizes his bills will most likely not be passed; however, the goal of the proposed bills is to spark discussion in the state about the topic, “until something passes, as long as it takes,” says Thompson.

If you are moving to Atlanta and you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an illness that benefits from the use of medicinal marijuana, join Thompson’s efforts at getting marijuana legalized in Atlanta.