Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has approved legislation that broadens access to the state’s medical cannabis program, introducing several changes aimed at expanding treatment options for eligible patients while maintaining restrictions on recreational marijuana. The measure, Senate Bill 220, adds new qualifying medical conditions, revised rules on THC limits, and expanded methods for how patients may use cannabis products.
Under the updated law, individuals diagnosed with lupus will now qualify for medical cannabis treatment in Georgia. The move widens eligibility under a system that already permits access for patients coping with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), autism spectrum disorder, chronic pain, and several other serious illnesses.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass, also eases restrictions that previously prevented some patients from participating unless their condition had reached a severe or terminal stage.
Another major adjustment involves the way patients can consume medical cannabis. Before the passage of the bill, approved products were limited to oils, capsules, tinctures, topical treatments, transdermal patches, and lozenges. With the new changes in place, patients aged 21 and older will now be permitted to use vaporized cannabis products. Smoking marijuana, however, remains prohibited for all patients.
The law, formally titled the Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act, also reshapes the state’s approach to THC restrictions. Georgia previously enforced a cap limiting products to 5% THC concentration. The revised framework instead allows registered patients to possess up to 12,000 mg of THC at one time.
The legislation also updates statutory language by replacing references to “low THC oil” with the broader term “medical cannabis.”
In addition, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will take on expanded responsibilities related to public education. The agency will now be tasked with increasing awareness about medical cannabis, including its potential uses and benefits for eligible patients. Outreach efforts will target residents, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies through educational materials and public engagement campaigns.
In remarks released alongside the signing, Kemp said that while the revisions are important for patients relying on medical cannabis, the law does not dramatically alter Georgia’s position compared with other states. He noted that the legislation gained broad backing in both chambers of the state legislature.
At the same time, the governor acknowledged lingering concerns surrounding recreational marijuana legalization. Kemp said he shares the reservations expressed by critics who fear medical programs could eventually lead to wider recreational use. He pointed to examples of states that, in his view, have reconsidered broad cannabis legalization after implementation.
The latest reform follows broader discussions around cannabis policy in Georgia. Last year, House lawmakers established a Blue-Ribbon Study Committee to review the state’s medical marijuana and hemp laws. Separately, legislators have explored proposals focused on researching the possible therapeutic applications of psychedelics.
Marijuana companies across the country, such as Cresco Labs Inc. (CSE: CL) (OTCQX: CRLBF), will be pleased that access to medical marijuana has been broadened in Georgia and thousands of patients who had previously been locked out can now use the products they need.
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