Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal signed an executive order Friday directing state agencies to prepare for legislation that would legalize medical marijuana in an emotional ceremony surrounded by families who would benefit from the drug.

The governor plans to sign the legislation, House Bill 1, next month that would make Georgia the 24th state to allow the drug for medical purposes. It authorizes the limited use of cannabis oil to treat disorders that include cancer, sickle cell disease and epilepsy as long as a physician signs off.

It follows two years of intense lobbying by hundreds of families with children suffering from incurable diseases and symptoms. At least 17 Georgia families have had to move in the past year to places like Colorado where the cannabis oil is legal. Some of those families have been a frequent presence in the statehouse.  [Read more at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution]