Regulatory Framework
In Georgia, the regulation of medical cannabis is overseen by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, which operates under the guidance of the state legislature and adheres to the Administrative Procedure Act as well as laws governing open meetings and records [2].
Legal Status
Cannabis is illegal in Georgia for recreational purposes and is listed as a controlled substance in the Georgia Controlled Substances Act [1]. The cultivation of hemp with less than 0.3% THC is permitted with a valid Hemp Grower License or Hemp Processor Permit [8]. Medical cannabis is legal under certain conditions as per the Haleigh's Hope Act [14].
| Market | Status | Act/Law | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult-Use | Illegal | Georgia Controlled Substances Act [1] | - |
| Medical | Legal | Haleigh's Hope Act [14] | 2015 |
| Homegrow | Illegal | Georgia Hemp Farming Act [8] | 2019 |
Track-and-Trace
GMCC is mandated to select a seed-to-sale tracking system [3]. We could not find evidence that GMCC has met this requirements, and it remains unclear whether or not they are within compliance.
Licensing
The licensing process for cannabis in Georgia involves multiple steps, starting from familiarization with state laws to the submission and approval of applications [9]. Specific license types are defined under state regulations.
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Class 1 Georgia Production License | Allows for 100,000 sq ft of canopy and manufacturing of low-THC oil; 2 licenses permitted [10] |
| Class 2 Georgia Production License | Allows for 40,000 sq ft of canopy and manufacturing of low-THC oil; 4 licenses permitted [10] |
| Georgia Dispensing License | Specific rules and application processes are yet to be developed [10] |
Possession Limits
| Item | Possession Limit |
|---|---|
| Low-THC Oil (medical patients) | Up to 20 fluid ounces [8] |
Medical Cannabis
The registration process for qualifying patients under the medical cannabis program involves obtaining a Low THC Oil Registry Card. The qualifying conditions include a range of severe or end-stage illnesses such as cancer, ALS, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, and others [11]. The detailed registration requirements for patients and caregivers highlight the eligibility criteria and necessary documentation [12][13].
Additional Resources
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Georgia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_Georgia
- Georgia Secretary of State https://sos.ga.gov/
- Georgia Department of Revenue https://dor.georgia.gov/
- GMCC Meetings https://www.gmcc.ga.gov/commission/meetings
References
- [1] "Georgia Marijuana Laws," Burke County Sheriff's Office. https://www.burkecountysheriff.com/georgia-marijuana-laws.cfm
- [2] "Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission," GMCC. https://www.gmcc.ga.gov/
- [3] "SEED-TO-SALE TRACKING," Rules of Georgia. https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/351-5
- [8] "Hemp Program," Georgia Department of Agriculture. https://agr.georgia.gov/hemp-program
- [9] "How to Apply for a Cannabis License in Georgia," Qredible. https://qredible.com/how-to-apply-for-a-cannabis-license-in-georgia/
- [10] "Georgia Cannabis Licensing Solutions," Cannabis License Experts. https://cannabislicenseexperts.com/georgia-cannabis-licensing-solutions/
- [11] "Low THC Oil Registry," Georgia Department of Public Health. https://dph.georgia.gov/low-thc-oil-registry#:~:text=by%20the%20law%3F-,The%20law%20lists%20the%20following%20conditions%20and%20diseases%20which%20qualify,is%20severe%20or%20end%2Dstage
- [12] "Low THC Oil Registry," Georgia Department of Public Health. https://dph.georgia.gov/low-thc-oil-registry
- [13] "Caregivers," Greenway Georgia. https://greenwaygeorgia.com/learn/caregivers/
- [14] "Haleigh's Hope Act," Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. https://www.gmcc.ga.gov/faqs