Georgia

Until May 2019, Georgia law permitted CBD products to include only zero percent THC. The passing of the “Georgia Hemp Farming Act” allows in-state production, processing, and sale of hemp and its byproducts. Georgians can now legally purchase CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
Georgia's Agriculture Department oversees the cultivation and production of hemp. HB 213 outlines some preliminary guidelines for those who wish to cultivate hemp. Applicants must provide their local law enforcement with a copy of their criminal background check.
To address the medical needs of children with severe epileptic conditions, the Georgia government legalized CBD-rich oil derived from cannabis that contained no more than 5% THC in April 2015. Though the law created a legal foundation for medical marijuana distribution, it didn't provide any direction on how low THC oil would be made or address transport regulations.

Table of contents

1. Brief Info

  •  Is CBD Legal in Georgia?
The products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in Georgia.
  • Who Can Buy CBD in Georgia?
People over the age of 18 or 21. Depending on the store policy. 
  • Who Can grow CBD Products in Georgia?
People who have a license. 
  • Who is protected from criminal offenses regarding CBD use?
The ones who didn’t exceed the possession limits of CBD 
  • More in-depth information about the state regulations and laws

2. Georgia CBD laws

Until May 2019, Georgia law permitted CBD products to include only zero percent THC. The passing of the “Georgia Hemp Farming Act” allows in-state production, processing, and sale of hemp and its byproducts. Georgians can now legally purchase CBD products with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. The Georgia Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for the state's industrial hemp program, has released a declaration prohibiting the sale of CBD in food and drink. It also prohibits selling CBD as dietary supplements or in animal feed. To address the medical needs of children with severe epileptic conditions, the Georgia government legalized CBD-rich oil derived from cannabis that contained no more than 5% THC in April 2015. Though the law created a legal foundation for medical marijuana distribution, it didn't provide any direction on how low THC oil would be made or address transport regulations. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 324, Georgia's Hope Act (GHA), on April 17. This bill sets up a regulatory system under the supervision of the GDPH for licensing and regulating the production and sale of low THC oil for patients. The bill allows for up to six private companies and two universities to grow and manufacture low tetrahydrocannabinol oil.

Licensing Requirements

Georgia's Agriculture Department oversees the cultivation and production of hemp. HB 213 outlines some preliminary guidelines for those who wish to cultivate hemp. Applicants must provide their local law enforcement with a copy of their criminal background check. Applicants with drug-related convictions are ineligible for licenses. Applicants must have experience in agriculture. Annual licensing fees amount to $50 per acre, with a maximum of $5,000. The GDA has the authority to inspect grow locations for hemp only when written consent is provided. Licensees must provide cannabis samples to internal personnel or independent lab testing contractors. A lab test must confirm that a sample contains no more than 0.3% THC. Crops with more than 0.3% THC must be destroyed, as required by law.

Where to Buy CBD Products Legally In Georgia

Georgia residents can only purchase hemp-derived CBD products from stores and shops specializing in CBD products. Georgia law prohibits the sale of food or beverages infused with CBD, thus CBD-infused food from cafes or restaurants is illegal. If you purchase from a store that specializes in CBD, an employee can offer you guidance. Based on your reason for consuming CBD, explain what you’re looking for and they can point you in the right direction. If you live in Georgia, you can also buy hemp-derived CBD online, though it's best to start with specific brands' websites. Brands that are reputable generally provide their customers with information about the form of CBD (for example, oil, capsules, topicals, tinctures), the quantity of CBD in each product, and any other chemicals or ingredients. Online CBD sellers who are based in the United States are supported by many online checkout systems. However, companies like Paypal consider CBD a “restricted business” and don't support American-based online sales. You should confirm the online store's checkout system before purchasing hemp-based CBD online.

Medical Cannabis in Georgia

To get a Low THC Registry card in Georgia, you must have your physician submit the two forms to the Department of Public Health: doctor’s waiver and certification form. People are eligible to get a medical marijuana card if they are:
  1. People who have been living in Georgia for at least a year and suffer from one of the eligible diseases.
  2. A legal guardian of an eligible adult.
  3. Parents or legal guardians of children who have an eligible disease and are resident in Georgia for at least one year.

Steps to Receive a Medical Marijuana Card in Georgia

Step 1: Visit a Physician

Obtain a medical certification from a physician confirming your qualifying condition, and that treatment with cannabis is appropriate.

Step 2: Receive the Card

If approved, an agent from the Department of Public Health’s Vital Records will contact the patient to arrange the place to pick up the card.

More about Medical Cannabis Card

The fee is $25 per card. You must pay the fee before you pick up your new card. It expires after two years of being issued to you.

Possession limits

CBD products are legal as long as they have less than 0.3% THC by weight or they must be from hemp, which has no possession limits in Georgia. In Georgia, the legal possession of up to 20 fluid ounces of low THC cannabis oil is authorized by law for patients experiencing a qualifying medical condition. Any form of marijuana (cannabis) is illegal and possession by unauthorized persons is a violation of state and federal law. Penalties for the possession of illegal CBD products and cannabis scales can vary in amount and whether there is an intention to distribute. Possession of more than 1 ounce is punishable with up to 10 years in prison and $5,000 in fines. It is illegal to possess and distribute CBD, cannabis without a formal license.

3. Notes

  1. Geoffrey William Guy; Brian Anthony Whittle; Philip Robson (2004). The Medicinal Uses of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutical Press. pp. 74–. ISBN 978-0-85369-517-2.
  2. Bloomsbury Publishing (2010). Dictionary of Medical Terms. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 139