Georgia's journey towards legalizing medical marijuana has been long and arduous. Despite the progress made, marijuana remains largely illegal in the state. However, recent developments indicate a significant shift as regulators consider issuing medical marijuana business licenses. This step could finally provide relief to thousands of patients who rely on medical marijuana oil for treatment.
As of now, marijuana is not legal in Georgia. The law only permits the legal possession of up to 20 fluid ounces of Low THC Oil by certified individuals listed on the Low THC Oil Registry with an active card status. This does not legalize the sale or possession of other forms of marijuana in Georgia. The medical marijuana program in the state has been highly restrictive, but the issuance of business licenses could be a game-changer.
Progress in Licensing
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission is on the verge of a historic decision to issue licenses to companies for the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana oil. This move comes after years of advocacy and legislative battles.
The commission recently voted unanimously to select six companies from a pool of 69 applicants. These businesses will be authorized to cultivate, manufacture, and sell medical marijuana oil, with a THC content of no more than 5%.
The six companies that won licenses are:
Trulieve GA Inc. - An affiliate of Florida-based Trulieve Cannabis Corp., will cultivate on 100,000 square feet of indoor space.
Botanical Sciences LLC - Located in Glennville, South Georgia, also awarded a license for a large cultivation facility.
FFD GA Holdings
TheraTrue Georgia LLC
Natures GA LLC
Treevana Remedy Inc.
These four companies will operate smaller facilities with 50,000 square feet of growing space each.
The Impact on Patients
For the approximately 15,000 registered patients in Georgia, this development is monumental. Since 2015, patients authorized to use medical marijuana oil had no legal means to obtain it. They often resorted to illegal methods or traveled out of state to access their medication. The new licensing will allow these patients to legally purchase low THC oil from local dispensaries.
Jessica Reid from Atlanta, whose 4-year-old son, Emmanuel, uses marijuana oil to manage severe seizures, expressed her relief: “It’s a blessing. We’re near the end of the tunnel. It’s the only thing I’ve seen that can stop my child’s seizures.” Stories like Jessica's highlight the crucial role medical marijuana plays in the lives of many families.
Why Medical Marijuana Is the Right Choice
Medical marijuana offers numerous benefits for patients with various conditions. In Georgia, low THC is approved for severe seizures, terminal cancers, Parkinson's disease, and more. Medical marijuana has proven effective in managing chronic pain, reducing seizure frequency, and alleviating severe illness symptoms.
Traditional medications often fall short or cause severe side effects, making medical marijuana a valuable natural alternative. It generally has fewer and less severe side effects compared to many pharmaceutical drugs, which is especially important for those managing multiple chronic conditions. Patients using medical marijuana report better overall well-being, including pain management, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep, all of which enhance their quality of life.
The Importance of a Medical Marijuana Card
In Georgia, obtaining a medical marijuana card will be essential for accessing legal medical marijuana once the program expands. Here's why you should consider getting one:
Legal Protection: With a medical marijuana card, you are legally protected to possess and use marijuana within the state's guidelines. This protection is crucial given the strict marijuana laws in Georgia.
Access to Regulated Products: A medical marijuana card ensures you have access to regulated, high-quality products from licensed dispensaries. This eliminates the risks associated with unregulated, potentially unsafe products from illegal sources.
Professional Medical Guidance: The process of obtaining a medical marijuana card involves consultation with a healthcare provider. This ensures that you receive professional guidance on using medical marijuana safely and effectively. That's where we'll come in!
The Road Ahead
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission's decision marks a significant step forward in the state's medical marijuana program. Once the contracts are signed and potential protests from losing bidders are resolved, the licensed companies will have one year to begin operations. This development will finally provide patients with legal, safe access to the medication they need.
While this progress is promising, there are still challenges to address. The state law currently limits the number of licenses, and there is a need to ensure that the program can scale to meet the demand. Additionally, continued advocacy is necessary to expand the program and address any gaps in access and affordability.
Georgia's consideration of issuing medical marijuana business licenses is a crucial milestone in the state's journey towards a more comprehensive medical marijuana program. For the thousands of patients who rely on medical marijuana oil, this development brings hope and much-needed relief. As the state moves forward, it is essential to continue advocating for broader access and ensuring that the program meets the needs of all patients.
Get Ready for Medical Marijuana in Georgia
Medical marijuana is potentially beneficial for those who struggle with substance misuse. Even though this is still being investigated, it might be an affordable, safe option for people to work toward recovery.
Despite some delays, Georgia will soon have access to medical marijuana! To give patients the relief they deserve, we hope Georgia dispensaries should open their doors in 2024.
If you are still determining if you qualify, we can help! Just give us a call.
You can reserve an evaluation online today with one of our compassionate marijuana doctors, and we'll make an appointment as soon as possible. Feel free to ask any questions in the meantime!
You and your new doctor will discuss your conditions and whether you qualify for a Georgia Marijuana Card. And if you make your reservation online today, you'll save $25 off your evaluation!
Feel free to call us at (866) 781-5606, and we can help answer your questions about getting medical marijuana in Georgia.
It is essential to be ready to acquire safe, legal medication when the time comes so you don't have to wait any longer for the relief you need. If you want to stay current on Georgia's medical marijuana laws, sign up for our email and read our weekly blogs.
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