Marijuana laws are ever-changing and vary by state and municipality. This can be very confusing for residents seeking to use marijuana for medical purposes. If you have questions regarding the current marijuana laws in Georgia, we’ve got the answers you need.
Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Georgia?
Yes—but to a very limited extent. Currently, medical marijuana is allowed in the state of Georgia under what is known as the Haleigh’s Hope Act. The Act allows eligible patients to possess up to 20 ounces of cannabis oil that contains only a very small amount of THC. Recreational use of marijuana or cannabis products is still illegal, and those found to cultivate, grow, sell, buy, or produce marijuana will still be punished by 1-10 years in jail or prison and associated fines.
Who Qualifies for Medical Marijuana in Georgia?
In order to use cannabis to cope with the effects of your illness or other ailment, you must apply and be approved for a Low THC Oil Registry Card, issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH). According to the GDPH, you must be either an adult with a qualifying condition, a legal guardian over an eligible person, or the parent of a minor with a qualifying condition to hold a Low THC Oil Registry Card and purchase cannabis oil.
Qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer requiring treatment that causes recalcitrant nausea, vomiting, and similar discomfort
- Crohn’s disease
- End stage cancer
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Epilepsy and other conditions that cause seizures
- Intractable and/or chronic pain
- Mitochondrial disease
- Patients who meet qualifications for hospice or end-of-life care
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Severe and/or end stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Severe and/or end stage multiple sclerosis
- Severe autism
- Severe or end stage AIDS/HIV
- Severe or end stage Alzheimer’s disease
- Severe or end stage Parkinson’s disease
- Severe or end stage peripheral neuropathy
- Severe or end stage sickle cell disease
- Severe Tourette’s syndrome
Accused of Illegally Using Marijuana? Connect with a Marietta Criminal Defense Lawyer Today.
If you have not understood Georgia’s current marijuana regulations or have been confused as to what is currently legal and have been charged of a crime as a result, we may be able to help you fight the charges issued against you and help ensure you are treated fairly. At Reed Leeper, P.C., we provide representation for people accused of drug-related crimes of all kinds. We have an in-depth understanding of Georgia drug laws and are prepared to defend you against allegations of unlawful conduct. Allow us to come alongside you and help you achieve sentence reduction or complete charge dismissal by scheduling your consultation now.
