U.S. State Georgia Legalizes Medical Marijuana

The U.S. state of Georgia became the 24th U.S. state to legalize medical marijuana on Thursday, underscoring the increasing acceptance of the drug across America despite remaining an illegal substance under federal law.

Governor Nathan Deal said in a statement the law would bring relief to patients suffering unnecessary pain because of an inability to obtain the drug legally and those who had to travel to get it.

"For the families enduring separation and patients suffering pain, the wait is finally over," Deal said after signing the legislation into law following its approval last month by state legislators.

The Georgia law decriminalizes marijuana possession in oil form used to alleviate suffering from diseases and conditions such as Parkinson's, cancer, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

Attitudes towards marijuana have seen a marked shift towards decriminalization and legalization in recent years, with the drug now available for medical use in almost half of U.S. states. Recreational use is permitted in Colorado and Washington.