How Do I Obtain Medical Marijuana in Georgia? | Cannabis Oil Law
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Medical Cannabis Laws in Georgia 
How to Obtain Medical Marijuana (Cannabis Oil)


March 9, 2018

By Sara Reece, PharmD, CDE, BC-ADM, FAADE
Contributor: Krishna Chavada, PCOM Georgia PharmD Candidate Class of 2024

In April 2019, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed House (HB) 324, an update to Haleigh’s Hope Act, into law. The updated law allows for limited in-state production of low-THC (less than 5%) oil by approved suppliers, and permits pharmacies and potentially other retail establishments to apply for a dispensing license.

As of April 2023, Georgia residents will now be able to purchase an active Low-THC Oil and products at one the five dispensaries licensed by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission.

Georgia House Bill 1 (HB 1) (Haleigh’s Hope Act), which was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal on April 16, 2015, created the Low THC Oil registry program. The bill allowed patients and families (in case of children) who registered with the state to possess up to 20 ounces of cannabis oil. The intent of the law was to protect qualified patients and families (in case of children) from criminal prosecution for possessing low (<5%) THC oil.

What disease states are covered by Georgia's medical marijuana law?
  • Cancer
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • Seizure disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Mitochondrial disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Autism spectrum disorder
    • When a patient is >/= 18 years old
    • When a patient is < 18 and diagnosed with severe autism
  • Epidermolysis bullosa
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • AIDS
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • If patient is in a hospice program
  • Intractable pain
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder for a patient who is at least 18 years old
How do I obtain medical marijuana in Georgia?

To obtain medical marijuana in Georgia, you must register with the Georgia Department of Public Health after consulting with your primary care physician or a pain specialist. To get a Low THC Registry card, the physician who is treating the patient submits the two forms—waiver form (patient and physician sign) and physician certification form.

Who is eligible for a Low THC Registry card?
  1. An adult with one of the eligible diseases.
  2. A legal guardian of an adult with one of the eligible diseases.
  3. Parents or legal guardians of minor child who has one of the eligible diseases. If there is more than one parent or guardian, then each may apply for separate cards.
Where do I go to get my Low THC Registry card?

A representative from Department of Public Health’s Vital Records will contact the patient to determine closest of the 18 select Public Health Offices across state to pick up the card.

How much does the Low THC Registry card cost?

The fee is $25 per card. The fee is due when the card is picked up.

How long is the card valid?

The card is valid for two years from the date the card is issued.

Is marijuana legal in Georgia?

No, the law only authorizes legal possession of up to 20 fl oz. of low THC oil by qualified persons. Possession of any form of marijuana by an unauthorized person is a violation of state and federal law.

Will Georgia recognize my registration from another state? 

It depends on whether or not you lawfully possess a valid registration card that has been issued by another state allowing the same possession of low THC oil as Georgia law does. You must have been in Georgia for less than 45 days. For more information, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health website for more information.

Where can I purchase medical cannabis products? Can my pharmacist obtain it?

Pharmacists are unable obtain low THC oil at this time, however the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission may purchase and transport low THC oil to Georgia for use by registered patients. You may purchase medical cannabis products at one of the five Georgia dispensaries.

Become a Pharmacist

Train in the safe and effective use of medical cannabis as a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student at PCOM School of Pharmacy. Complete our online request information form to learn more about our program or apply today.

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Article last updated May 25, 2023

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