Yolanda Bennett Testimony | What About the Good? Georgia’s Blue-Ribbon Committee Update

In this video, Yolanda Bennett, Co-Founder and Director of Operations, Social Justice, and Advocacy for the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS), addresses the Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies. Yolanda challenges the one-sided focus on cannabis risks and calls for a balanced discussion that includes the proven benefits experienced by patients across Georgia. “All we keep hearing is the bad — what about the good? What about the thousands of patients whose quality of life has improved because of medical cannabis? Let’s talk about the science and the real-world outcomes, not just the fear-driven talking points.” She also sets the record straight on Cannabis Use Disorder statistics: 9% of cannabis users develop dependency (NIDA) 15% for alcohol, 32% for tobacco Significantly lower rates for medical patients under proper care Despite the importance of these perspectives, there is still no direct patient or consumer representation on the committee — and the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) was not present to speak. 📅 Updated Blue-Ribbon Committee Meeting Schedule: Thursday, Sept. 4 – Augusta (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) – Hemp & consumable hemp products (GA Dept. of Agriculture) Thursday, Sept. 25 – Macon – Medical cannabis (GA Dept. of Public Health) Tuesday, Oct. 21 – Atlanta – Final meeting (details to come) If public comment is allowed, this is your moment to show up and be heard. Patient voices matter in shaping Georgia’s cannabis future. 💚 About GMCS: The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2019 by patients, for patients. We stand for Patients Over Profits and have submitted our interest to present to the committee, along with expert witnesses ready to share data, science, and patient-centered solutions. The voice of the patient matters. #WeAreTiredOfWaiting #MedicalCannabis #Georgia #PatientsOverProfits #CannabisAdvocacy #Policy #GMCS