Georgia has significantly expanded its medical cannabis program in 2026, making it more accessible for qualified patients while still maintaining restrictions on recreational marijuana. If you’re considering medical cannabis in Georgia, here’s what you need to know about the current laws.
Medical Cannabis Is Legal for Qualified Patients
Medical cannabis is legal in Georgia for patients who have been certified by a qualified physician and are registered with the state’s Medical Cannabis Patient Registry. Qualified patients may legally purchase and possess approved medical cannabis products from licensed dispensaries.
Georgia Replaced the “Low THC Oil” Program
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is that Georgia officially replaced its former Low THC Oil Program with a broader Medical Cannabis Program under the Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act (SB 220). The law modernized the state’s medical cannabis system and expanded patient access.
Expanded Qualifying Medical Conditions
Georgia has added several new qualifying conditions for medical cannabis, including:
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Depression
- Chronic pain
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autism spectrum disorder, when such disorder is diagnosed for a patient who is at least 18 years of age, or severe autism, when diagnosed for a patient who is less than 18 years of age
- Any cancer except skin cancer, unless it is metastatic skin cancer
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Patient is in hospice program, either as inpatient or outpatient
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when such disease is diagnosed as stage III
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intractable pain
- Lupus
- Mitochondrial disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy, when such symptoms are diagnosed as severe
- Post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from direct exposure to or the witnessing of a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years of age
- Seizure disorders related to a diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries
- Sickle cell disease
- Tourette’s syndrome
The law also removed the requirement that certain conditions, such as cancer and AIDS, must be “severe or end-stage” before a patient can qualify.
Higher THC Limits
Georgia no longer limits medical cannabis products to 5% THC. Instead, products are regulated by the amount of THC they contain. Patients may purchase products up to 1,200 milligrams of THC per item, with a maximum of 12,000 milligrams of THC per transaction.
More Product Options
Qualified patients now have access to additional forms of medical cannabis, including:
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Capsules
- Topical products
- Transdermal patches
- Products for vaporization (for eligible adults)
Smoking cannabis remains prohibited under Georgia law.
Independent Pharmacies Can Dispense Medical Cannabis
Georgia has become the first state to allow licensed independent pharmacies to dispense medical cannabis products alongside licensed dispensaries. This expansion is expected to improve patient access throughout the state.
Physician Certification Is Required
To participate in Georgia’s medical cannabis program, patients must:
- Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition.
- Be evaluated and certified by a qualified Georgia physician.
- Be entered into the Georgia Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.
Only registered patients may legally purchase medical cannabis products.
Recreational Marijuana Remains Illegal
Although Georgia has expanded access to medical cannabis, recreational marijuana is still illegal. Only patients who qualify under the state’s medical cannabis program may legally possess approved medical cannabis products. Unauthorized possession or use of marijuana remains subject to Georgia law.
Lastly
Georgia’s medical cannabis program has undergone its largest expansion to date. Qualified patients on approved by a qualified medical marijuana doctor in Georgia now have access to more medical conditions, stronger products, additional delivery methods, and more places to obtain medical cannabis. While recreational marijuana remains illegal, the updated laws provide greater treatment options and improved access for patients who qualify under Georgia’s medical cannabis program.