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Senate hearing on medical marijuana bill set for Wednesday

ATLANTA — The medical marijuana bill that overwhelmingly passed the state House is set for a Senate hearing this week.
 
Parents tell Channel 2 Action News that they know they have a much tougher fight in the Senate and admit time is running out.
 
Passionate parents lobbied Georgia senators Monday to pass the bill that could pave the way for legalizing medical marijuana here. 
 
The bill would allow medical institutions in Georgia to grow and dispense cannabis oil or pills for patients who suffer from severe seizure disorders, cancer and glaucoma.
 
Some hospitals have said they're not willing to risk losing federal funding.
 
Stephanie King said, "I am convinced there will be changes on the federal level, so Georgia can be a part of that."
 
King is trying to get help for her 13-year old daughter, Emily, who suffers from seizures and the side effects of the medicines trying to stop them.
 
King said," If I can make her life better, if I can make her quality of life better, then that's what I want to do."
 
Channel 2 Action News learned a model that would create non-profit medical marijuana dispensaries is expected to be introduced Tuesday.
 
Georgia Senator Butch Miller said, "I think that slows down the bill, and when we're talking about arranging things to side-step medical institutions of record, we're going down a slippery slope."
 
Wednesday's hearing will take place in the Health and Human Services committee.