On May 12, 2026, Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 220, officially known as the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” which went into effect on July 1st, 2026. This bipartisan legislation significantly expands and modernizes Georgia’s medical cannabis program, moving away from one of the most restrictive frameworks in the country.
As a Georgia attorney helping clients navigate medical cannabis issues, I’m pleased to summarize the key changes for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Key Changes In The New Law
- Renaming “Low THC Oil” to “Medical Cannabis”
The outdated term “low THC oil” has been replaced throughout Georgia law with “medical cannabis.” This reflects the broader range of products and higher potency options now available and aligns the program with how other states refer to regulated medical cannabis.
- Elimination of the 5% THC Potency Cap
The previous strict limit of no more than 5% THC by weight has been removed. Products can now contain higher concentrations of THC (the definition in the bill supports up to 50% in certain contexts). This gives physicians and patients greater flexibility to choose appropriate potency levels based on medical need rather than an arbitrary cap that often required heavy dilution.
- New Possession Limit: Up to 12,000 mg Total THC
Instead of a volume-based limit (previously 20 fluid ounces), registered patients may now lawfully possess products containing a cumulative total of up to 12,000 milligrams (12 grams) of THC, provided the products are in properly labeled pharmaceutical containers.
Many reports indicate individual packages are limited to around 1,200 mg THC. This dosage-based approach better matches how other medications are regulated and allows access to more concentrated products.
- Expanded Product Types and Delivery Methods
- Vaping (vaporization) is now permitted for patients 21 and older.
- A wider variety of products is available, including certain tinctures, transdermal patches, lotions, capsules, and limited edibles/gummies (subject to package limits).
- Smoking or combusting raw plant material remains generally prohibited.
- Expanded List of Qualifying Medical Conditions
A licensed Georgia physician must certify that you have one of the qualifying conditions and that medical cannabis may provide therapeutic benefit. You must then register with the Georgia Department of Public Health to receive your Medical Cannabis Registry Card.
Complete List Of Qualifying Medical Conditions
According to the official Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) and Department of Public Health, the following conditions currently qualify (as updated under SB 220):
- Any cancer, except skin cancer unless it is metastatic skin cancer
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Seizure disorders related to a diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Mitochondrial disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sickle cell disease
- Tourette’s syndrome
- Autism spectrum disorder — for patients 18 years of age or older, or severe autism when diagnosed in a patient under 18 years of age
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when diagnosed as Stage III
- Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe
- Hospice care (patient is in a hospice program, inpatient or outpatient)
- Intractable pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing of a trauma (patients must be at least 18 years of age)
- Lupus
This brings the total to 18 qualifying conditions with specific qualifiers for certain diagnoses (such as age restrictions for autism and PTSD, severity requirements for peripheral neuropathy, and staging for HIV).
Important Notes
- Some conditions previously required “severe” or “end-stage” status; SB 220 broadened access for several conditions.
- A physician’s certification is required annually. The physician must be fully licensed in Georgia with a principal place of practice in the state.
- Caregivers (parents/guardians of minors, designated adults, or certain healthcare institutions) may also qualify for registry cards.
- Out-of-state registry cards may be recognized for short-term visitors (generally under 45 days).
How To Get Started
- Confirm you have a qualifying condition.
- Consult a Georgia-licensed physician who can certify your eligibility.
- Register with the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.
- Once approved, you can legally possess up to 12,000 mg total THC in properly labeled products.
Need help understanding the new rules, qualifying for a card, or navigating related legal issues (such as probation compliance or DUI concerns)?
- Other Important Updates
- Out-of-state medical cannabis registry cards are recognized for visitors present in Georgia for less than 45 days.
- The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission has expanded duties, including public awareness efforts and providing better information to physicians and the public.
- Certain prior prohibitions on ingestion methods have been repealed or revised.
- Lawful possession by registered patients is excluded from certain provisions of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
- Penalties for unlawful possession or trafficking have been clarified and updated.
What This Means For Patients
The new law makes Georgia’s medical cannabis program far more practical and patient-centered. Higher-potency options, vaping for adults, and a total THC possession limit give patients and doctors more tools to manage qualifying conditions effectively.
Important reminders:
- You still need a physician’s certification and a valid Medical Cannabis Registry Card from the Department of Public Health (or equivalent out-of-state card for short visits).
- Home cultivation remains illegal.
- Medical cannabis is still not legal for recreational use.
- Employers are not required to accommodate use, and zero-tolerance policies can still apply.
- Driving under the influence remains illegal — medical cannabis patients must still comply with all traffic laws (including Georgia’s DUI statutes).
How We Can Help
If you or a loved one has questions about:
- Qualifying for a medical cannabis card
- Understanding the new possession limits and product rules
- Compliance while on probation or facing other legal matters
- How this law interacts with DUI, drug testing (including ETG), or employment issues
Contact my office today for a consultation.
George C. Creal, Jr.
Georgia Medical Cannabis & Criminal Defense Attorney
www.georgialawyer.com
(770) 961-5511
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can be subject to interpretation, rulemaking by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, and future legislative changes. Always consult a qualified Georgia attorney and your physician for advice specific to your situation. The information above is based on SB 220 as enacted.
We’re here to help Georgia patients access legal medical cannabis safely and responsibly while protecting their rights. Reach out anytime — we’re happy to answer your questions.
