Here’s how to qualify for medical marijuana in Georgia

Chelsea Madden
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Since the medical marijuana law has been passed in Georgia, many are unsure what it means and how it works.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there, but we are here to help.

Here’s what you need to know about the medical marijuana law in Georgia, who is eligible and how to obtain a card:

What’s the medical marijuana law in Georgia?

The law in GA allows qualified people to legally have up to 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil, which is derived from the marijuana plant. The qualified people must have a Low THC Oil Registry Card for obtaining the oil and for protection against arrest.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the law does not:

  • legalize the sale or possession of marijuana in leaf form

  • authorize the production or sale of food products infused with low THC oil or the ingestion of low THC oil through vapor

  • authorize physicians to prescribe marijuana for medical use

Who is eligible for the “Low THC Oil Registry Card”?

To get your registry card, you must be one of the following:

  • An adult who has one or more of the conditions covered by the law (below)

  • A legal guardian of an adult with one of the conditions covered by the law

  • A parent or legal guardian of a minor who has one or more of the conditions covered by the law

If more than one person is caring for the adult or child, each person must apply separately for a card.

What conditions or diseases are covered by the law?

  • Cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage

  • Seizure disorders related to the diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries

  • Multiple sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage

  • Crohn’s disease

  • Mitochondrial disease

  • Parkinson’s disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage

  • Sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage

  • Tourette’s syndrome, when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe

  • Autism spectrum disorder, when (a) patient is 18 years of age or more, or (b) patient is less than 18 years of age and diagnosed with severe autism

  • Epidermolysis bullosa

  • Alzheimer’s disease, when such disease is severe or end-stage

  • AIDS when such syndrome is severe or end-stage

  • Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe or end-stage

  • Patient is in hospice program, either as inpatient or outpatient

  • Intractable pain

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing of a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years of age

How can you obtain your card?

To get a Registry Card, the physician caring for the individual will need to fill out two forms (a waiver and a certification form) and electronically submit them to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

Qualified people will then be notified when the low THC oil registry card has been printed and sent in the mail.

There is a $25 fee for a new card and the person picking up the card will need to pay this fee.

The card is valid for two years from the date of issuance, but if you lose your card or need to update information on the card, contact the State Office of Vital Records at 404-679-4702, then choose option four.

More information can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website.

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