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.
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.
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.
The fee is $25 per card. The fee is due when the card is picked up.
The card is valid for two years from the date the card is issued.
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.
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.
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.
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.
REQUEST PROGRAM INFORMATIONArticle last updated May 25, 2023
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