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Is weed legal in Georgia? Many visitors to the Peach State ask this pertinent question. As popular as weed is, it still has a long way to go to achieve full legality worldwide.
The laws governing the cannabis plant in Georgia aren’t lenient. There’s still massive support for cannabis legalization among residents.
Not all weed-related news in the state is negative. Join us as we explore the GA weed laws to discover what’s legal or not.
History of cannabis legalization in Georgia
Georgia has a long cannabis history that dates back to 1980, when Mona Taft’s bill passed. It aimed to approve medicinal cannabis use for cancer and glaucoma patients. The law unfortunately didn’t see fruition, and supporters remained without their medicine.
Fast forward to 2015, when the General Assembly and governor approved the Haleigh’s Hope Act. The law made no provision for safe access to medical cannabis. It caused further delays in providing a regulated product.
2019 brought good news for patients waiting for medical marijuana. The Georgia’s Hope Act allowed the provision of low THC oil. This product comes from plants grown from THC seeds.
Over the years, certain cities and counties in Georgia decriminalized cannabis. These changes are small steps towards complete legalization. 23 states and the District of Columbia have already achieved this progress in the USA.
Two dispensaries for medical marijuana opened in Georgia at the end of April 2023. These outlets sell CBD oil with low amounts of THC. Only registered patients can lawfully purchase it.
Supporters still fervently pursue weed legalization in Georgia. Almost two-thirds of the population is in favor of adult cannabis possession.
Attempts to decriminalize small amounts of weed possession for adults weren’t successful. The state legislators will reconsider bills in 2024 during the next legislative session.
What are the Georgia marijuana laws?
The Georgia marijuana laws follow federal law. It’s one of the states with the most stringent regulations.
Decriminalization of weed possession in Georgia has occurred in some counties and cities.
The GA weed laws stipulate that anyone possessing weed will face a penalty. The charges and fines increase with the weed quantity.
The Department of Public Health and Georgia Composite Medical Board oversee medical weed. Allowances don’t include plants grown from CBD seeds, only oils derived from them.
Only patients with the following qualifying conditions can register for low THC oil:
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s
- Tourette’s syndrome (diagnosed as severe)
- ALS (severe or end-stage)
- Sickle cell disease (severe or end-stage)
- Mitochondrial disease
- Intractable pain
- Other conditions listed by Georgia’s Department of Public Health
A medical practitioner first needs to diagnose the patient’s condition. They then have to complete a medical waiver and certification. Once the state authorizes the application, the patient can buy their registry card for $25.
The card only allows the patient access to 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil. Anyone possessing this product without a valid card will face felony charges.
Cultivating medicinal marijuana seeds isn’t lawful yet. Patients may only get oils from licensed dispensaries.
Parents or legal guardians of medical patients may register on their behalf.
Is weed legal in Georgia?
Weed is legal in Atlanta and the rest of Georgia for medical purposes only. Patients with valid registry cards can purchase low THC oil. Anyone found with any other form of weed will face criminal charges.
This prohibition includes consumption and cultivation. Non-adherence to this law is a felony and includes jail time and fines.
Georgia’s marijuana laws are strict, but many continue to pursue its legalization. At least three bills will appear before the legislature in 2024. The aim is to decriminalize the possession of small amounts.
Other bills also propose making recreational weed use lawful. Voters remain hopeful that weed will be legal in Georgia in the not-too-distant future.
Restrictions and limits
Weed legality in Georgia only applies to medical use. The limits and restrictions are harsh and carry strict penalties.
How many grams of weed can I possess in Georgia?
Registered medical marijuana users can possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil.
Since recreational marijuana isn’t legal in Georgia, possessing any amount is unlawful without a MMJ card. Anyone found with marijuana faces heavy charges. These penalties increase according to the amount of marijuana in question.
Possessing up to 1 ounce (28 grams) is a misdemeanor. It carries a one-year prison sentence and a $1,000 fine. Holding any quantity exceeding this amount is a felony punishable by 1–10 years in jail and a $5,000 maximum fine.
Anyone possessing cannabis and intending to distribute or sell faces felony charges. These penalties include prison time ranging from 1–30 years. Offenders also face fines of $5,000–1,000,000.
It’s a felony to carry weed within 1,000 feet of a park, school, housing project, or drug-free zone. Imprisonment for a first offense can reach up to 20 years and includes maximum fines of $20,000. The penalty depends on the amount of weed in the offender’s possession.
Second and subsequent offenders face up to 40 years in jail and a maximum fine of $40,000.
Can I grow cannabis in Georgia?
No, you can’t grow cannabis in Georgia. This restriction also applies to patients registered for medical use.
Growing weed isn’t legal in Georgia, and jail time depends on the amount an offender cultivates. Penalties vary from 1–30 years. The fines attached to these charges range between $100,000 and $1,000,000.
Is recreational marijuana legal in Georgia?
No, recreational pot isn’t legal in Georgia. Some cities and counties have taken steps to decriminalize it. They hope to make adult use lawful across the state.
Where can I buy cannabis seeds legally in Georgia?
Georgia hasn’t legalized weed, so there aren’t any licensed retailers selling weed seeds.
Purchasing ungerminated cannabis seeds online is legal. Many individuals buy them as a souvenir or to keep until cultivation becomes lawful.
Buying cannabis seeds online is convenient and easy. At our seed bank, you get access to a wide variety of cannabis seeds from renowned breeders.
There’s no need to wait in long queues at dispensaries far from home. Browse through our vast collection at your leisure. We ensure discreet deliveries, protecting your identity.
Key takeaways
Not only is weed not legalized in GA, but the state also has some of the more stringent laws in America. The government has made medicinal weed legal, but only in the form of low THC oil.
Residents can buy cannabis seeds in Georgia and keep them as souvenirs for now. You can only germinate and grow them when the legislation changes.
The state has seen a few bills to decriminalize and legalize possession. These attempts haven’t been successful.
Weed supporters remain hopeful that the law will eventually change in their favor. Weed legalization in Georgia still has a long way to go. Stay updated with SeedSupreme’s blog to learn when the state’s legislation changes.
