Specifics of Weed Consumption in Georgia
As of July 2025, Georgia has some of the strictest cannabis laws in the United States and has no comprehensive legal structure for both recreational and medical marijuana.
While cannabis legislation in Georgia began to change when the Georgia General Assembly approved HB 1 (Haleigh's Hope Act) in 2015 that legalized low-THC cannabis oil (less than or equal to 5% THC) for patients with a limited set of qualifying medical conditions (intractable epilepsy, certain types of cancer, ALS, Crohn's disease, mitochondrial disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, sickle cell disease, seizure disorders, and Tourette syndrome).
The 2015 law gives the registered patients permission to possess low-THC oil (maximum of 20 ounces), but patient cannot do so through smoking, vapors or any other semblance to consumable cannabis. In 2019, HB 324 was approved that expanded the program and allowed licensed pharmacies in Georgia to operate dispensing sites from where a low-THC oil prescription could obtain from Georgia- licensed pharmacy. As of July 2025, few pharmacies have local licenses and patient access is still very limited
A patient must have a Low THC Oil Registry Card, which is issued, after the patient's medical doctor completes and submit their physician's certification to register the patient with the Georgia Department of Public Health's Low THC Oil Registry. Recreational marijuana possession and use is illegal in Georgia. Possession of marijuana, in an amount of 1 ounce or less, is a misdemeanor under O.C.G.A § 16-13-2, which carries a maximum penalty of 1 year in jail and/or no more than $1,000. Possession of marijuana in greater than 1 ounce is a felony and carries a penalty of up to 7 years in jail. Public consumption and driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal, and DUIs may be charged with enhanced penalties. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD of 0 percent (0%) THC, allowing retail shops to sell CBD products, such as oils and topicals, without requiring a prescription or medical documentation (including 1-8oz.com).
Last year's HB 844, which would have expanded medical marijuana use and legalized recreational use, faced bipartisan resistance in the state legislature, and has stalled, despite recent polling showing 65% pro Medical Cannabis support in Georgia. Dispensaries and marijuana deliveries are still illegal in Georgia so we will continue to focus on the compliant delivery of CBD products, so Georgians can safely utilize what is readily available to them legally.












