Georgia law sets rules for medical cannabis patients and providers

People may possess, buy, or control up to 20 fluid ounces or 12,000 milligrams of medical cannabis products under specified authorizations. The rule covers registered patients, qualifying caregivers, people with qualifying out-of-state cards, and people involved in approved research programs. Patients must have a physical or electronic registration card and use products in manufacturer-labeled pharmaceutical containers. An out-of-state card applies only while the person has been in Georgia for less than 45 days. Possession outside the listed requirements may result in misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on the amount and conduct. The employer rules do not require employers to allow medical cannabis use or possession. An out-of-state registration card is not lawful authority after the cardholder has been in Georgia for 45 days.

People may not smoke or burn medical cannabis, and people age 21 or younger may not vaporize it. The restrictions apply to anyone using medical cannabis, including a ban on electronic vapor use in public places. Vaporizing is not covered by the smoking or combustion ban for people older than 21, except where another restriction applies. Public-place use is barred when a heating element, power source, electronic circuit, or similar device produces vapor. The Department of Public Health must issue rules to carry out these restrictions no later than January 1, 2027.

The Department of Public Health may issue registration cards to patients and caregivers who meet medical eligibility requirements. Eligible patients include people with listed conditions or hospice patients, and caregivers may include parents, guardians, designated adults, and certain health care institutions. A physician must certify the patient and generally must have a treatment relationship with that patient. The patient's symptoms must reasonably be expected to improve, and expected benefits must outweigh health risks. A card is valid for five years, but continued eligibility generally requires yearly confirmation of the diagnosis. Patients with incurable or irreversible conditions do not need yearly confirmation; electronic cards depend on available funding. A registration card lasts five years from issuance, subject to continued eligibility and the stated annual-certification rules.