Atlanta, GA: Lawmakers have amended and approved legislation, Senate Bill 220, significantly expanding the state’s limited medical cannabis access law.
Under existing law, qualified patients are limited to infused “low THC oil” products containing no more than five percent THC. The proposed measure allows patients to obtain “medical cannabis” products “containing a cumulative total of 12,000 milligrams or less of THC.” It also permits products to be available in formulations that may be consumed via vaporization. It also expands the pool of patients eligible to receive medical cannabis authorizations to include those diagnosed with lupus, severe arthritis, and severe insomnia, among other conditions.
Senate members initially passed the bill on March 6th by a vote of 39 to 17. House members amended and passed the bill days later by a vote of 138 to 21. The Senate signed off on the changes this week.
Georgia lawmakers approved legislation in 2015 legalizing the possession of non-herbal, low-THC oils for authorized patients. However, regulators failed to license dispensaries to provide these products until 2023.
Over 33,000 patients are currently enrolled in Georgia’s medical cannabis access program.
NORML has an action alert in support of SB 220 on its Take Action page.