SAFE ACCESS FOR EVERYONE
HOW-TO
A Guide to Medical Cannabis in Georgia
3 Steps to Obtaining a Medical Cannabis Card in Georgia
1: Book a Doctor Appointment
Any licensed doctor in the state of Georgia (MD or OD) who is in good standing with the Georgia Composite Medical Board, with whom you have a doctor patient relationship and is treating you for the qualifying medical condition or in consultation with another doctor registered with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to make recommendations for you, can start the process.
2: Meet with Your Doctor
If the doctor feels you are eligible and meet the requirements, they will make an application for you in the registry portal of the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). They will submit necessary forms via that same portal. This meeting may be held via telecommunication.
3: Get Approved & Get Your Card
If approved, DPH will notify successful applicants. Cards can be mailed or picked up at your local public health office. Note: SB220 provides for issuance of an electronic registration card if passed.
Medical Cannabis in Georgia:
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What is a medical cannabis card?
In Georgia, a medical cannabis card is like your ID, allowing you to have low THC oil from cannabis plants for medical reasons. It’s for patients with certain medical conditions and their caregivers.
Georgia made this possible with the Haleigh’s Hope Act in 2015, which lets people with specific medical conditions use low THC oil. But cannabis is still illegal under the Federal Controlled Substance Act and is still considered a controlled substance with a high potential for abuse in the Georgia Controlled Substance Act.
In Georgia, these cards are called Low THC Oil Registry cards. According to the Haleigh’s Hope Act, low THC oil is defined as oils that have no more than 5% THC on a dry weight scale and at least as much cannabidiol (CBD).
If you have a Low THC Oil Registry card, you can have up to 20 ounces (567 grams) of low THC cannabis oil for medical use. Keep in mind that other forms of cannabis, like edibles and flowers, are still illegal in Georgia, even if you’re using it for medical reasons.
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is in charge of running the medical cannabis registry program in the state. There are approximately 34,000 registered Low THC Oil Registry patients and caregivers in Georgia.
Note: SB220 changes Low THC Oil to Medical Cannabis. Additionally, the bill would change the definition of Medical Cannabis to include the use of the whole plant. The bill would also change the measurement unit of Medical Cannabis from ounces to milligrams.
Who can apply for a medical cannabis card in Georgia?
In Georgia, there are three categories of eligible applicants for medical marijuana cards:
- Adults 18 years and older with the medical conditions specified in the law (see below)
- Parents or legal guardians of minors below 18 years who have one or more of the medical conditions listed in the law
- Legal guardians of adults with medical conditions listed in the law
According to the Act, Georgia residents with specified medical conditions and their caregivers can apply for low THC registry cards. However, caregivers must be legal custodians or legal guardians of qualified patients. The law prohibits patients from designating persons who are not their legal guardians as caregivers. The limitation on caregivers in Georgia is in contrast to most of the other states with medical marijuana programs in the US, where any adult can be designated as a caregiver.
Furthermore, only Georgia residents that have lived in the state for over 12 months are eligible for Low THC Oil Registry cards. The law permits persons previously convicted of criminal offenses to be issued registry cards.
What conditions qualify for a card?
By Georgia law, physicians can only recommend low THC oil treatment to persons with the following medical conditions and diseases:
- Crohn’s disease
- Mitochondrial disease
- Cancer at the end stage
- Parkinson’s disease at the end stage
- Sickle cell disease
- Severe amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Intractable pain
- Patients in hospice programs
- Autism spectrum disorder in adults 18 years or older
- Severe autism spectrum disorder in minors
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe Tourette's syndrome
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- HIV / AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
Note: SB 220 would add Lupus, Severe arthritis, and Severe insomnia as qualifying medical conditions if passed.
What types of cannabis are available?
The law permits certified persons on the Low THC Oil Registry with active cards to legally possess up to 20 fluid ounces of Low THC Oil. It doesn’t legalize the sale or possession of any other forms of cannabis in Georgia. Unauthorized possession of marijuana is a violation of state and federal law.
Approved product forms include:
- Oils and Tinctures: Liquid extracts administered orally or sublingually.
- Capsules: Oral pills containing measured doses of low-THC oil.
- Topicals: Creams, lotions or transdermal patches applied to the skin for localized relief.
How do I get a card?
A physician treating a qualified patient can apply for Georgia’s Low THC Oil Registry card. To qualify, the physician must:
- Have an active medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (OD) license and be in good standing with the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
- Have a doctor-patient relationship.
- Be treating the patient with a specific condition listed in the Haleigh’s Hope Act.
- Conduct a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history.
- Keep a copy of the physician certification in the patient’s medical record.
The physician submits two forms to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) registry portal: a waiver form and a physician certification form. Both forms must be completed and signed by both the patient and the physician. Only recommending physicians on the DPH registry portal can submit these forms.
The DPH will notify successful patients and caregivers when their cards are ready for pickup from public health offices closest to them.
Our Partners, Botanical Sciences and Fine Fettle can get the process started. You can also find more info at the Georgia Department of Health medical cannabis site.
How long does it take to get a card in Georgia?
Once you've been approved, you should receive your State of Georgia Medical Cannabis card in the mail in 5-10 business days.
How much is a medical marijuana card in Georgia?
In Georgia, Low THC Oil Registry cards cost $30, the standard fee for obtaining vital records in the state. Your physician may charge a fee for your visit.
Our Partner, Botanical Sciences, may charge a fee, but assist you with the process from start to finish.
CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES
SB220 would expand the accessibility of Medical Cannabis in Georgia for many people who would benefit from its use. Your voice can help get the bill passed.
SIGN A PETITION
Signing our petition is yet another way to voice your support for greater access to Medical Cannabis in Georgia.