Fast-Growing Georgia Medical Cannabis Program Eases Access

Rising Demand for Medical Marijuana in Georgia

Georgia is experiencing a significant surge in medical marijuana card applications, with the number of active patients nearly doubling in the past year. The state’s Low-THC Oil Registry has seen a steady increase in enrollments, with approximately 1,000 new patients added each month. This growing demand comes as recent legislative changes make it easier for Georgians to access medical marijuana, providing new hope for patients with a range of chronic conditions.

Easier Access for Patients and Caregivers

Patients and caregivers in Georgia who seek to purchase medical marijuana products must obtain a Low-THC Oil Registry card from the Department of Public Health, following approval from a physician. These products are available to treat a variety of conditions, including end-stage cancer, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, autism, AIDS, PTSD, and intractable pain.

Recent changes implemented by state legislators aim to simplify the process of obtaining these cards. One key update allows cards to be mailed directly to patients’ homes, eliminating the need for in-person pick-up at local health departments. Additionally, the validity of these cards has been extended from two years to five, reducing the frequency with which patients must renew their access.

Andrew L. Turnage, executive director of the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, emphasized the importance of these changes: “Just being able to get access to your card as soon as you are approved and not have to wait months can make all of the difference,” he said. “In many, many cases, they tried everything and they have done everything their doctor can think of. This is their last resort.”

Medical Cannabis’ Growing Reach in Georgia

As of August 14, 2024, Georgia’s Low-THC Oil Registry includes 21,368 active patients and 1,542 caregivers, reflecting a dramatic increase in the use of medical marijuana across the state. Patients reside in all 159 counties, highlighting the widespread adoption of medical cannabis as a treatment option.

The Georgia Department of Public Health reports that about 75% of cardholders use medical marijuana to manage intractable pain or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Other common conditions treated with medical marijuana include cancer, peripheral neuropathy, and seizure disorders. The state has also seen a growing number of physicians—now totaling 712—registering to certify patients for medical marijuana use.

Expansion of Dispensaries and Product Availability

Medical marijuana in Georgia is available in the form of liquid tinctures, topical creams, and capsules, though smokable products remain prohibited. These products can only be purchased at licensed dispensaries, overseen by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. Currently, there are about a dozen dispensaries located across the state, including in major cities such as Marietta, Macon, Chamblee, and Augusta.

The expansion of dispensary locations is helping to meet the growing demand for medical cannabis, while also providing patients with greater access to the products they need. This increased availability is particularly important for those who rely on medical marijuana to manage chronic pain or other debilitating conditions.

The Impact of Legislative and Regulatory Changes

Georgia’s medical marijuana program continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to improve access and streamline the regulatory process. The Georgia Department of Public Health is set to revise state health department regulations to align with the recent updates to the Low THC Oil Patient Registry law. These revisions are expected to further enhance the program’s effectiveness and accessibility.

In addition to state-level changes, there is growing anticipation around potential federal developments that could impact medical marijuana access in Georgia. A proposal by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug could open the door to increased research, broader medical use, and potentially, pharmacy sales. While it remains unclear how rescheduling will directly affect Georgia’s program, such a change could pave the way for significant advancements in medical cannabis availability and acceptance.

Medical Cannabis: A New Option for Chronic Pain Management

For many Georgians, medical marijuana has become a valuable alternative to traditional pain management methods, including opioids. Frank Eady, a representative of the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory, noted that medical marijuana has allowed some patients to reduce or even eliminate their reliance on opioids. “It has given people another option other than prescription drugs and surgical procedures,” Eady told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

As Georgia continues to expand its medical marijuana program, the state is poised to provide even more patients with access to safe, regulated cannabis products. This growth not only reflects the changing attitudes toward cannabis but also underscores the importance of providing alternative treatment options for those in need.

A Growing Landscape for Medical Cannabis in Georgia

The surge in medical marijuana card applications and the expansion of access in Georgia highlight the growing importance of cannabis as a medical treatment. With continued legislative support and regulatory improvements, Georgia is making significant strides in ensuring that more patients can benefit from the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana. As the program evolves, it is likely to play an increasingly vital role in the state’s healthcare landscape, offering hope and relief to thousands of Georgians.