House Speaker says he's open to idea of legalizing medical marijuana

ATLANTA — One of the most powerful lawmakers in Georgia is giving parents of kids who suffer from severe seizure disorders hope.

House Speaker David Ralston told Channel 2's Lori Geary that while he has some concerns, he's open to the idea of legalizing medical marijuana.

During a 2014 Legislative preview Ralston said, "I have some concerns about it quite frankly but I think, let's take the politics out of it, and look at the science and hear the medical professionals."

The parents of 4-year-old Haleigh Cox say they're moving their daughter from Forsyth in Monroe County to Colorado next month and splitting up their family.

Janea Cox says her 4-year-old daughter, who suffers from a severe seizure disorder, stopped breathing a few days ago and that forced their decision.

Janea Cox says her daughter is on benzodiazepines and opiates that make her sleep 18 hours a day but can't get the medicine that could help her the most in her home state.

Janea Cox told Geary children with similar disorders have seen amazing results in states like Colorado after being treated with cannabis oil, which is legal there.

The Cox's say they will join the fight with other parents to get it legalized in Georgia.

They say they're not talking about getting high on recreational marijuana, rather getting medicine for their kids that are suffering.

Brian Cox, who is a metro Atlanta firefighter, and fears losing his pension and benefits, will stay behind in Georgia while his wife and daughter head west.

"It is heartbreaking that they will have to go out there by themselves, I won't be able to take care of them as a husband should," he told Geary.

The Cox's plan to get Haleigh Cox the cannabis oil in Colorado, where she'll receive it through a feeding tube.

They tell Geary it would be a  felony.

"It's good to see people are opening their eyes. Hundreds of kids die every day because of seizures. I don't want her to be one of those kids. So, I'm going to fight and I'm going to constantly fight," Janea Cox said.

WSBTV