Georgia Low-THC Oil Program Overview
Georgia's medical cannabis program, governed by the Georgia Hope Act and overseen by the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, permits registered patients to access low-THC cannabis oil (≤5% THC) for qualifying medical conditions.
Important: Georgia's program is limited to low-THC oil only. High-THC products, flower, and edibles are not available under this program.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
Patients must have a documented diagnosis from a Georgia-licensed provider for at least one of the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Tourette's Syndrome
- Crohn's Disease / Ulcerative Colitis
- Severe Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Cachexia / Wasting Syndrome
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Severe Nausea
- Seizure Disorders (including epilepsy)
- Severe or Persistent Muscle Spasms
- Severe and Chronic Intractable Pain
- Parkinsonian Disorders
- Terminal or End-of-Life Illnesses
Program Statistics
- Active Patients: Over 26,000 Georgians registered with active low-THC oil cards
- State Coverage: Approximately 0.23% of Georgia's population
MMJ.com Services for Georgia Patients
- Eligibility Screening: We review patient medical histories to assess condition eligibility
- Secure Telehealth Consultations: HIPAA-compliant visits with Georgia-licensed providers
- Application Support: Assistance with registry submissions via the Department of Public Health portal
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed Georgia's decision to include it in the state program.
Chronic & Intractable Pain
Chronic and intractable pain are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research surveying cannabis use among fibromyalgia patients. (Fiz et al., PLoS One 2011)
Severe Arthritis
Severe Arthritis is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use in patients with arthritis-related symptoms. (Urits et al., Curr Rheumatol Rep 2019)
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Muscle Spasms and Multiple Sclerosis
Severe or persistent muscle spasms are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with spasticity. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012)
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral Neuropathy is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research examining vaporized cannabis in patients with neuropathic pain. (Wilsey et al., J Pain 2013)
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on clinical research examining THC use in patients with Tourette's Syndrome. (Müller-Vahl et al., Pharmacopsychiatry 2003)
Cachexia & Severe Nausea
Cachexia and severe nausea are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients experiencing appetite and nausea concerns. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015) (Beal et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 1995)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
Cancer
Cancer is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among cancer patients. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis C
HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with these conditions. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005) (Sylvestre et al., Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006)
ALS
ALS is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research surveying ALS patients about symptom management. (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsonian disorders are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among Parkinson's patients. (Lotan et al., Clin Neuropharmacol 2014)
Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabis use in patients with inflammatory bowel conditions. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013) (Irving et al., Inflamm Bowel Dis 2018)
Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Disease is an approved qualifying condition under Georgia's low-THC oil program. Georgia included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among Alzheimer's patients. (Shelef et al., J Alzheimers Dis 2016)
Terminal Illness
Terminal or end-of-life illnesses are approved qualifying conditions under Georgia's low-THC oil program as determined by the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission.
Petition Process for Adding Qualifying Conditions
- How to Petition: Residents can submit a petition to the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission to request new medical conditions be added. Each petition should include medical documentation and scientific research.
- Review Timeline: Petitions are typically reviewed within 180 days.
Special Patient Categories
Caregivers
- Eligibility: Must be at least 21 years old and registered with the state
- Responsibilities: Obtaining, transporting, and administering low-THC cannabis oil
Pediatric Patients
- Requirements: Certifications from two qualified healthcare providers and consent from a parent or legal guardian
- Support: MMJ.com offers guidance for parents managing pediatric applications
Program Details
- Card Validity: 2 years
- State Fee: $25
- THC Limit: ≤5% THC (low-THC oil only)
- Home Cultivation: Not permitted
- Telehealth: Available for evaluations
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the registry process take? Applications are typically processed within approximately 30 days.
Can out-of-state patients access Georgia's program? No, only Georgia residents with qualifying conditions are eligible.
Is home cultivation allowed? No, home cultivation is prohibited in Georgia. Patients must obtain low-THC cannabis oil from state-licensed dispensaries.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about Georgia's qualifying conditions for low-THC cannabis oil. The inclusion of a condition in Georgia's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions.