Getting into the Weeds: A Georgia Medical Cannabis Law Update

The medical cannabis landscape is evolving rapidly. In April, the U.S. Department of Justice reclassified state-licensed medical cannabis products from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, signaling a major shift in federal policy. Shortly thereafter, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Putting Patients First Act (SB 220), transforming the state's former low-THC framework into a comprehensive medical cannabis program.

To help medical and legal professionals navigate these significant developments, Georgia State University College of Law and the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will host a program on October 16 examining Georgia's new medical cannabis law. Expert panelists will outline the key statutory changes, discuss physician participation in the program, and provide practical guidance on patient access.

The session will also explore the broader implications of medical cannabis legalization, including its potential impact on health equity, pain management outcomes, and patient care across Georgia. Attendees will gain insight into the role of physicians, the evolving business landscape for licensed manufacturers and dispensaries, and the law's ripple effects on related areas such as employment law, family law, and criminal justice.

Resources

Georgia SB220 “Putting Georgia’s Patients First” Act (2025)New state law expected to increase patient access to Georgia’s medical cannabis program, Georgia RecorderGeorgia Medical Cannabis Program, Georgia Department of Public HealthNational Conference of State Legislatures Map of Medical Cannabis LawsCannabis Legislation and RegulationCannabis Policy Impacts Public Health and Health Equity, National AcademiesABA Cannabis Law UpdateUnited States v. Hemani