Is Weed Legal In Georgia?

With each state having its own laws on whether weed is decriminalized and with various terms and conditions on its consumption, knowing where and where you cannot purchase weed can be confusing.

Especially in such a strict state as Georgia. Although the state of peaches is slowly coming around to the benefits of the plant, there are still rules to the consumption of marijuana.

In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the legalization of weed in the state of Georgia. From who can purchase weed legally, and who can even cultivate it in their own homes.

Is Weed Legal In Georgia?

In the end, no, it is not. A few cities and counties have disregarded previous precedents and passed improved rules in an effort to decriminalize marijuana usage for recreational purposes, but these regulations go against both Georgian and federal drug laws.

Marijuana possession of more than an ounce is illegal.While many residents continue to consume Georgia, it is illegal and can lead to fines and even a criminal record.

Due to the perception of the state and federal prohibitions as being unfair, widespread disobedience to marijuana regulations has occurred, much like alcohol Prohibition laws in the 1920s.

Medicinal Marijuana In Georgia

The majority of legalized states in the U.S. have decriminalized the use of cannabis in the form of prescription for certain medical issues. And Georgia is following the same lead. However, there are extremely strict restrictions to this law.

The medicinal marijuana statute in Georgia permits certain qualifying individuals to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of marijuana plant-derived, low-THC oil. Also, it is illegal for doctors to recommend marijuana for medical purposes.

Weed for medicinal use can only be purchased in a licensed dispensary with a prescription from a registered doctor.

Medical conditions which permit for the purchase and consumption of medical cannabis are:

• Cancer
• Wasting Illness
• Recalcitrant Nausea or Vomiting.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Epilepsy
• Trauma-Related Head Injuries
• AIDs
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Tourette’s Syndrome

Unless you have a serious illness, the possession and consumption of marijuana can lead to serious consequences such as a hefty fine, jail time, and a criminal record.

Cultivating Medicinal Marijuana

In 2019, Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 324, allowing the growth of low-THC oil to become legal in the state of Georgia. Of course, with various rules and regulations.

Low-THC oil production and distribution are permitted in Georgia under the law. This is accomplished by permitting the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University, along with six commercial businesses, to cultivate marijuana and make medical cannabis oil in Georgia.

Two of the private businesses will be permitted to cultivate marijuana on up to 100,000 square feet of land, while the other four will be permitted up to 50,000 square feet, or around 9 acres.

While the actual location of these manufacturing facilities is unknown, according to the law, dispensing license holders cannot be located within 1,000 feet of schools or churches, and producing facilities cannot be within a 3,000-foot radius of either.

The production facilities will be closely guarded; the minimal requirements include security guards, intrusion detection, 24/7 video monitoring, and logs that list every person who enters the premises.

The law also encourages but does not mandate, that minorities, women, and veterans make up at least 20 percent of the workforce in these enterprises.

Regarding distribution, pharmacies that hold a State Board of Pharmacy license may sell low-THC oil. This covers CVS, Walgreens, and similar stores.

The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will have to authorize any private dispensaries and manufacturing facilities.

The cultivation of marijuana is not permitted within the private home. Growing cannabis, whether for recreational or medicinal use can lead to a jail sentence of more than 30 years.

Obtaining Medicinal Marijuana

You must apply for a Low THC Registry Card in Georgia in order to access medical marijuana. The patient’s doctor must submit both the waiver form (which the patient and doctor must sign) and the physician certification form in order to obtain this card.

Once a Low THC Registry Card is obtained, it is valid for two years from its issue date before it needs to be renewed.

Persons eligible for a Low THC Registry Card are:

• A grownup with one of the qualifying conditions who has lived in Georgia for at least a year.
• A person who is legally responsible for an adult who has one of the qualifying conditions and has lived in Georgia for at least a year.
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor child with one of the qualifying illnesses who has lived in Georgia for at least a year or who was born there and is younger than one year old.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Difficult To Obtain A Low THC Registry Card In Georgia?

Patients must be able to present a valid state identification card or driver’s license as proof of residency. The Georgia Department of Public Health contacts registered cardholders who must pick up their certification from one of 20 statewide offices after receiving clearance for certification and a $25 registration fee.

How Many Grams Of Weed Can You Have In Georgia?

None. While having less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor, having more than 28 grams of marijuana is a crime that carries a prison sentence of up to ten years. Cannabis production convictions carry felony penalties and a maximum 10-year prison term.

Final Thoughts

So, can you go to Georgia in hopes of having a relaxing time? Well yes, but weed will not be involved. Only those with a verified medical condition and a Low THC Registry Card are able to purchase, possess, and consume marijuana from a licensed dispensary.

We hope this article has given you all of the information you need in regard to the legalization of weed in the state of Georgia. While there are still strict laws, the government is still working to decriminalize the use of weed!

Learn more about weed laws in the Southeast and the legal status of cannabis in neighboring states.

• Is weed legal in Alabama?
• Is weed legal in Florida?
• Is weed legal in North Carolina?
• Is weed legal in Tennessee?