The Georgia House of Representatives has approved medical marijuana legislation designed to broaden patient access. The proposal cleared the chamber with strong bipartisan support, passing 138 to 21.
The measure, Senate Bill 220 by Senator Matt Brass, proposes expanding the number of medical conditions that qualify for treatment, revising possession limits, and allowing patients to use vaporized cannabis products.
Representative Mark Newton, who guided the bill through the House, said the revisions were shaped by findings from a House study committee that reviewed the state’s program last year. Speaking before the vote, Newton said the system has not consistently served the patients it was intended to help.
Under current Georgia law, cannabis products distributed through the medical program cannot exceed 5% THC. Earlier versions of the measure proposed raising that ceiling to 50%. House lawmakers chose a different approach, replacing the percentage rule with a 12,000 mg cap.
Newton, who works as an emergency physician, said the adjustment aligns the state’s rules more closely with how doctors typically prescribe medication.
The legislation also permits patients aged 21 and older to use vaped cannabis. Supporters argue that some conditions, including seizures, require faster relief than oral treatments can provide. Smoking cannabis and consuming it in public spaces would remain illegal. The bill also maintains restrictions on products such as candy or other edible items.
Another provision expands the list of qualifying medical conditions. Severe arthritis, severe insomnia, and lupus would be added. The proposal also removes language requiring certain illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease or cancer, to be classified as severe or terminal before patients can qualify.
Although no lawmakers spoke in direct opposition during the debate, some expressed caution. Representative Jason Ridley, who voted against the measure, said he supports medical treatment options but would like stronger research and clearer guidelines.
Discussion around cannabis policy has drawn heightened attention this year. The 2025 legislative session coincides with the tenth anniversary of the Haleigh’s Hope Act, the law that first permitted possession of low-THC cannabis oil in the state and created a framework for research and licensing.
Since then, additional legislation has allowed companies to produce and distribute the oil within the state. Still, patient advocates say current regulations remain too restrictive and limit the ways people can receive treatment.
The measure now returns to the Senate for final consideration before the legislative session concludes on April 2. The steps so far taken to ease access to medical marijuana in Georgia will be seen by the broader industry and entities like Green Thumb Industries Inc. (CSE: GTII) (OTCQX: GTBIF) in other states as steps in the right direction.
About CNW420
CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of an article each business day at 4:20 p.m. Eastern – a tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. The concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.
To receive SMS alerts from CNW, text CANNABIS to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.CannabisNewsWire.com/Disclaimer
CannabisNewsWire
Denver, CO
www.CannabisNewsWire.com
303.498.7722 Office
Editor@CannabisNewsWire.com
CannabisNewsWire is powered by IBN