Understanding Georgia’s Medical Cannabis Law: Key Facts and Regulations

Georgia’s approach to medical cannabis is more restrictive compared to some other states. The law in Georgia does not allow the growing, sale, or possession of marijuana in plant or leaf form. Furthermore, it does not permit the production or sale of food products infused with low THC oil, nor does it authorize inhaling low THC oil through smoking, electronic vaping, or vapor. The law also excludes the possibility for physicians to prescribe marijuana.

The state’s new medical marijuana law, however, does enable certain qualified individuals to legally possess up to 20 fluid ounces of “low THC oil,” derived from the marijuana plant. To facilitate this, the Georgia Department of Public Health issues a “Georgia Low THC Oil Registry Card” to those who qualify, affirming their authorization to possess the oil.

On April 2, 2019, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 324, known as “Georgia’s Hope Act.” This legislation grants the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission the authority to oversee the regulated licensing of limited in-state cultivation, production, manufacturing, and sale of low-THC oil. It also covers dispensing to registered patients on the state’s Low-THC Oil Registry.

The Commission Rules, outlined in RULE CHAPTER 351, are provided by the Office of the Secretary of State. These rules and regulations, as per the Georgia Administrative Procedures Act (O.C.G.A. 50-13-1 et seq.), delineate the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. This includes contracting from any available legal source and providing logistics in accordance with the article.

For law enforcement and the general public, the Low THC Oil FAQ by the Georgia Department of Public Health offers essential information regarding the legal aspects of possessing and using low THC oil.