Possession Limits

Georgia allows limited medical cannabis use with specific possession limits:

• Medical Patients: Can possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil (containing no more than 5% THC).
• Recreational Possession: Possession of cannabis in any form for recreational purposes is illegal and subject to penalties.

Cultivation Laws

Cultivation of cannabis in Georgia is highly regulated and restricted:

• Home Cultivation: Home cultivation of cannabis is not permitted for either medical or recreational users.
• Licensed Cultivation: Only state-licensed entities can legally grow low-THC cannabis for medical purposes.

Medical vs. Recreational Use

Medical Use

Georgia’s medical cannabis program, established under Haleigh’s Hope Act (2015) and expanded in subsequent years, is limited to low-THC oil:

• Qualifying Conditions: Conditions such as cancer, seizure disorders, MS, Crohn’s disease, mitochondrial disease, Parkinson’s disease, and severe or end-stage ALS, among others, qualify patients for low-THC oil.
• Medical Card: Patients must obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply for a Low THC Oil Registry Card through the Georgia Department of Public Health.
• Purchase Limits: Low-THC oil can be obtained from licensed dispensaries or caregivers authorized to dispense it.

Recreational Use

Recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Georgia:

• Possession: Possession of any amount of cannabis for recreational purposes is a criminal offense.
• No Legal Sales: There are no provisions for the legal sale or purchase of recreational cannabis.

Penalties for Violations

Violations of Georgia’s cannabis laws carry significant penalties:

• Possession: Possession of one ounce or less of cannabis is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. Possession of more than one ounce is a felony.
• Sale and Distribution: Selling or distributing cannabis without a license is a felony offense with severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.
• Cultivation: Unauthorized cultivation of cannabis is also a felony, with penalties depending on the number of plants and circumstances.

Recent Updates and Changes

Georgia continues to monitor and adjust its cannabis regulations:

• Expansion of Qualifying Conditions: The state periodically reviews and may expand the list of qualifying medical conditions for low-THC oil.
• Regulatory Improvements: Ongoing efforts to streamline the application process for patients and improve the regulation of low-THC oil production and distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can tourists buy medical cannabis in Georgia? A: No, only residents of Georgia with a valid Low THC Oil Registry Card can obtain low-THC oil from authorized sources.

Q: Where can I consume medical cannabis in Georgia? A: Medical cannabis consumption is legal in private residences. Public consumption is prohibited.

Q: How can I get a Low THC Oil Registry Card in Georgia? A: Patients must obtain a recommendation from a state-licensed physician and apply through the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Q: Are there any legal limits for transporting cannabis within Georgia? A: Medical cannabis patients can transport their low-THC oil, but it must be in a sealed container and not in a public place.

Conclusion

Georgia’s cannabis laws are currently focused on limited medical use, with stringent regulations and penalties for recreational use. Staying informed about these laws ensures responsible and legal cannabis use in the state.

Additional Resources

• Georgia Department of Public Health – Low THC Oil Registry
• NORML: Georgia Laws
• Georgia Commission on Medical Cannabis

By following this guide, you can navigate the cannabis laws in Georgia confidently and responsibly.