he cannabis-related industry of Atlanta is more active than ever, and the number of dispensaries is rapidly increasing. However, this does not imply that the city is cannabis-friendly through and through. As a resident or a visitor, you must be conversant with the changing weed laws in Atlanta in case you want to consume cannabis.
Main Points to Remember
- Age: You should be 18 years old to get access to medical marijuana at a dispensary in Atlanta.
- Purchase restrictions: No purchase restriction is placed on medical patients who may purchase up to 20 fluid ounces of low-tetrahydrocannabinol cannabis oil.
- Possession laws: In Georgia, one is not allowed to do it, including with marijuana flowers.
- Licensed dispensary: Purchase your cannabis at a product-approved dispensary. This is the safest and legal way to do that.
Georgia Cannabis Rules and Regulations
- Recreational cannabis is illegal in Georgia. It legalized medical marijuana in 2019 with the Hop Act (HB 324). Still, the state currently permits the use of low-THC, high-cannabidiol (CBD) oil, topicals, and capsules only by qualified medical patients.
- Georgia statute Section 16-13-26 defines low THC as not more than 5 percent THC by weight. This implies that only moderately psychoactive cannabis products have permission to be used both medically and on recreational grounds, and no inhalable products made of cannabis, like flower plants or vaporizers, or concentrates, are allowed.
- In 2019, Governor Brian Kemp formed the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission. However, the commission concluded that accepted medical patients can only buy products of two companies: Trulieve and Botanical Sciences.
- According to Georgia state law, it is possible to spend up to a year in prison and pay a fine of up to $1000 for simple possession of marijuana, even with a medical card. Higher penalties are imposed for possession of larger quantities.
- Cannabis is an illegal crop, and therefore, recreational and medical users cannot cultivate cannabis.
- The law in Georgia also banned sales of hemp products to anyone under 21 years old in 2024. The ban on edible hemp products throughout the state now exists.
- There are currently no efforts to expand the state medical marijuana program to encompass products of a higher composition of THC.
What You Need to Know About Cannabis Laws in Atlanta?
In October of 2017, cannabis was decriminalized in Atlanta. This led to the fact that the possession of up to an ounce is subject to a $75 fine with no jail time. Even though higher amounts of possession and repeat offender status can still result in further severe penalties, such as increased fines and jail time.
Getting Medical Marijuana in Atlanta: A Step-by-Step Guide
To acquire low-THC, high-CBD oil in Atlanta, you must meet the application process for a medical marijuana card with the state Department of Public Health. The eligibility requires a recommendation of a licensed physician.
How to Find a Doctor?
To become medically eligible to use cannabis in Atlanta, you will first need to find a doctor who can find you to have one of the state-approved conditions to qualify and make a recommendation. You can find a list of doctors near you and arrange a visit to them physically, or you can visit an online healthcare site like MMJ Medics that will connect you to a licensed physician who will evaluate you virtually and make a recommendation. Online services can be more convenient to the individuals that want to simplify and streamline the process of obtaining a medical card. After receiving your recommendation document in writing from your doctor, you may sign up to receive a Georgia medical card at the State Registry of Low THC Oil web page. Other than the advice given by a doctor, you will be required to give a state-issued photo identity. It is important to note that a minor with a qualifying condition can also have a caregiver apply on his or her behalf. The card can take up to 15 business days to arrive.
Eligibility Conditions
In Georgia, to use medical cannabis, you must get a diagnosis of at least one of the following conditions:
- AIDS
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), aka Lou Gehrig’s disease
- Autism spectrum disorder (must be severe if patient is under 18)
- Cancer that is end-stage or requires treatment that causes wasting illness, nausea, and vomiting
- Crohn’s disease
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Intractable pain
- Mitochondrial disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (must be at least 18 years old)
- Seizure disorders (including those caused by epilepsy and head trauma)
- Sickle cell disease
- Tourette syndrome
- Admittance to an inpatient or outpatient hospice program
Can Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Patients Buy Medical Cannabis in Atlanta?
The Georgia cannabis laws also enable medical marijuana cardholders who have had them for less than 45 days to buy medical cannabis, provided that their states also allow only low-THC oils.
Advantages of Accessing Medical Cannabis in Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, currently has a medical marijuana program that is the only legal option to consume cannabis.
Although medical patients are permitted to use only low-THC products, these can be very effective in providing relief to patients with specific conditions.
Residents of Atlanta caught with cannabis in their possession will be punishable by fines and even incarceration, even without a medical card, depending on the volume of the substance.
Dispensaries in Atlanta
- Beez Atlant: Beez Atlanta has a wide range of vaporizers, edibles, topicals, etc. They even stock items that pertain to your pets.
- Green Leaf Dispensaries: Green Leaf Dispensaries is a cannabis dispensary located in Fairburn.
- Trulieve: Trulieve is focused on providing value and delivering quality and transforming lives through the power of cannabis.
Where Can You Legally Consume Cannabis in Atlanta?
Medical cannabis products that go through the approval processes of the state can be used anywhere at any time.
In the absence of sales of inhalable cannabis, there is no place in the state you can smoke marijuana.
Smart Tips for Buying Cannabis in Atlanta
1. Purchase from authorized dispensaries:
Make sure that the medical dispensary you purchase cannabis products from has a state license. You run the risk of buying products that are illegal under state law, as well as products that are unsafe or of poor quality, if you shop elsewhere.
2. Try different kinds of products:
You can experiment with marijuana tinctures, capsules, and topicals if you have a Georgia medical card.
3. Seek professional advice:
To find out more about using cannabis to treat your health issues, schedule an appointment with an MMJ Medics telehealth professional or talk to the employees at your neighborhood dispensary.
4. Compare costs:
To make sure you’re getting a good deal, compare prices for various products and dispensaries.
5. Examine the local laws:
Cannabis laws in Georgia and Atlanta are subject to change at any time, so it’s important to stay informed to ensure that you’re purchasing and using cannabis in a legal manner.
6. Don’t forget your paperwork:
A state-issued ID and medical card are required in order to make purchases at a dispensary.
FAQ
1. What is the age restriction to use medical cannabis in Atlanta?
Medical marijuana is only legally available to persons aged 18 years and above in Atlanta through a licensed dispensary.
2. Is it possible to purchase recreational cannabis in Atlanta?
No. Georgia does not legalize recreational cannabis. Qualified patients are only allowed to use only low-THC, high-CBD medical products.
3. What do I do to acquire a medical marijuana card in Atlanta?
A recommendation of a qualifying condition by a doctor is required. Then you submit an application to the State Registry of Low THC Oil, submitting a photo ID. The card normally takes a maximum of 15 business days.
4. Are medical marijuana patients in Atlanta out-of-state buyers of cannabis?
Yes, provided that they possess a valid medical card issued by their state (below 45 years old) and their state permits the use of low-THC oils, which fits the Georgia laws.
5. What are the legal places I can use medical cannabis in Atlanta?
Medical cannabis products that have been endorsed by the state may be used anywhere and anytime, but one cannot smoke or vape marijuana, since only low-THC oils, capsules, and topicals are allowed.
