Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed legislation expanding access to medical marijuana in the state.
The measure, known as the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” was signed into law Tuesday and will take effect statewide on July 1. The bill had previously passed both the Georgia House and Senate earlier this year.
Under the new law, low THC oil will now be legally defined as “medical cannabis” in Georgia code. The legislation also broadens the list of medical conditions that qualify patients for a medical cannabis registration card.
Previously, conditions such as severe Alzheimer’s disease, autism, cancer, multiple sclerosis and PTSD qualified patients for access. The updated law adds lupus to the list and removes “severe” or “end-stage” requirements for some existing conditions.
The law also changes how medical cannabis cards are renewed and clarifies that lawful medical cannabis use is exempt from the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Smoking and vaping medical cannabis will remain prohibited for anyone under 21, but adults age 21 and older will be allowed to use those forms. Public use restrictions will also remain in place.
Recreational marijuana use remains illegal in Georgia.