Georgia Senate Passes Landmark Cannabis Bills, Expanding Access and Regulation
The Georgia Senate has passed three significant bills aimed at reshaping the state’s approach to medical and recreational cannabis. The legislation, which was passed along party lines, marks a significant shift in the state’s cannabis regulations.
One of the key bills, the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” expands access to medical cannabis by removing restrictions on THC percentage, allowing for higher concentrations in medical products. The bill also adds Lupus to the list of qualifying conditions and permits caregivers to pick up prescriptions from pharmacies.
Separately, two bills focused on strengthening hemp regulations passed the senate. The “Georgia Hemp Farming Act” aims to improve testing and labeling regulations for chemical compounds derived from hemp, such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and HHC. The second bill eases restrictions on the medical use of marijuana.
Hemp, a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant, is cultivated for industrial and commercial purposes and contains very low levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces a “high.” Hemp is used in a range of products, including textiles, paper, health foods, and construction materials.
All three bills have passed with decisive votes and now await House approval before becoming law. The legislation marks a significant step forward in Georgia’s efforts to regulate cannabis and hemp products.
