Georgia Marijuana Laws
Just like in other states around the US, Georgia marijuana laws are subject to change and have evolved in recent years as attitudes towards cannabis have developed.
In this guide, we’ll answer common questions you might have about cannabis laws in Georgia, covering how GA marijuana laws work and whether or not cannabis is allowed in this state for medical and recreational purposes.
Is Marijuana Legal in Georgia?
As it stands, Georgia marijuana laws state that cannabis is illegal in Georgie for recreational use, but is allowed in some Georgia cities, like Atlanta and Macon. In addition, medical usage of cannabis is allowed, but only in the form of cannabis oil that contains strict amounts of THC.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal?
Medical cannabis laws in Georgia allow some usage of cannabis products for medical purposes. A 2015 act called Haleigh’s Hope Act passed the Georgia House and allowed for medical usage of cannabis oil that is low in THC (maximum of 5%).
To access medical cannabis in Georgia, patients must first obtain a recommendation from a licensed medical marijuana doctor and be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal?
Marijuana legalization in Georgia for recreational purposes has not yet been enacted. It is illegal to use marijuana recreationally in this state. However, there is a slightly special situation in Georgia whereby certain city councils, like Atlanta and Savannah, have introduced measures to minimize the penalties for possessing or using small amounts of cannabis, effectively decriminalizing it. However, official Georgia state and federal laws state that possessing more than an ounce of marijuana is classed as a felony.
When Will Medical Cannabis Be Available in Georgia?
Even though Georgia medical marijuana laws were introduced in 2015, there has been a long wait for Georgia citizens to easily access and use authorized products like low-THC marijuana oil. However, it is expected that legal sales of this oil should begin in 2023.
Georgia Marijuana Laws
Next, we’ll take a look at how possession of marijuana works in Georgia, as well as exploring other aspects of Georgia’s marijuana laws.
Possession & Purchase
Possession and purchase of marijuana and marijuana products (apart from approved cannabis oil) are illegal in Georgia. Possessing anything over an ounce counts as a felony, and offenders can be sentenced to jail time and fines, as well as suspension of their licenses. However, possessing less than an ounce of cannabis in some cities should only result in a small fine, thanks to decriminalization efforts.
How Much Can I Buy and Possess?
It is illegal to buy or possess any cannabis in the state of Georgia. Even those who have been approved for medical usage are only allowed to use cannabis oil with low THC, rather than cannabis flower or other products.
Where Can I Obtain Cannabis?
For now, it’s not possible to obtain medical marijuana products in Georgia, despite the state approving the sale and usage of low-THC cannabis oil for certain patients. However, state-licensed dispensaries should be able to start selling this oil from 2023 onward.
Who Can Legally Purchase Cannabis in Georgia?
Nobody is allowed to purchase cannabis in Georgia. Only patients with qualifying conditions and a Georgia medical marijuana card can buy cannabis oil.
Home Cultivation
Home cultivation is illegal in Georgia.
Reciprocity
Georgia generally won’t recognize your medical marijuana card from another state, except for use of low-THC oil.
Consumption
Georgia access to medical cannabis is very limited, and this state recognizes marijuana as a controlled substance that is not allowed for public consumption or use. You cannot buy or use any kind of cannabis product in Georgia, apart from cannabis oil that contains up to a maximum of 5% THC.
Where Can I Safely Consume Cannabis?
It is not allowed to consume cannabis in Georgia, so there are no safe places to consume marijuana. Cannabis oil with low THC content may be acquired with a physician’s approval and appropriate card, but this is not yet available.
Qualifying Patients
In order to be approved for Georgia’s low-THC oil registry, patients will need to have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions or diseases:
- Cancer
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Seizure disorders like epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Crohn’s disease
- Mitochondrial disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Alzheimer’s
- AIDS
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Are Edibles Legal in Georgia?
No, edibles are not currently legal in Georgia and there are no plans in place to legalize edibles like cannabis cookies and brownies.
How to Obtain a Medical Card?
If you want to have access to any kind of medical cannabis in Georgia, you’ll need to obtain a registry card from the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission. This involves filling in some forms and providing evidence.
Georgia’s cannabis laws are some of the strictest of any state, with very few options available for those who wish to consume cannabis medically and no real option for recreational usage. In addition, the state’s punishments for possession or cultivation of cannabis can be very strict, so citizens need to be careful and follow the rules to avoid any issues.
