Qualifying Conditions for Medical Marijuana Card in Georgia

How Many Medical Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Treatment in Georgia?

There are 17 qualifying medical conditions (16 disease and hospice care) recognized under the Georgia medical marijuana program and approved for low THC oil treatment.

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Card in Georgia 2024

Georgia only approves its Low THC Oil Registry Card for patients diagnosed with one or more of the following qualifying medical conditions:

• Terminal cancer or cancer treatment causing wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
• Severe or terminal Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Seizure disorders caused by epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries
• Severe or terminal multiple sclerosis
• Crohn’s disease
• Mitochondrial disease
• Severe or terminal Parkinson’s disease
• Severe or terminal Sickle cell disease
• Severe Tourette’s syndrome
• Autism spectrum disorder for a patient aged 18 years or older or severe autism for a minor
• Epidermolysis bullosa
• Severe or terminal Alzheimer’s disease
• Severe or terminal AIDS
• Severe or terminal Peripheral neuropathy
• Patient is in hospice program, either as inpatient or outpatient
• Intractable pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder caused by trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years of age

Does Georgia Add New Qualifying Conditions to its Medical Marijuana Program?

Yes. When Georgia legalized low THC oil as a form of medical marijuana in 2015, it only specified eight qualifying conditions. In May 2017, it expanded this list by adding six qualifying conditions (AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, autism, epidermolysis bullosa, peripheral neuropathy and Tourette's syndrome) through Senate Bill 16. The list was further expanded in 2018 with passage of House Bill 65 which added PTSD and intractable pain.

Georgia makes no provisions for members of the public petitioning for the addition of new qualifying conditions. The state has only expanded the list through legislative acts.

Does Georgia Allow Physicians to Recommend Medical Cannabis for Non-Qualifying Conditions?

No. Eligible physicians can only recommend low THC oil for listed qualifying medical conditions in Georgia.

Do You Need a Doctor’s Recommendation for Medical Marijuana in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia requires the physician treating a patient for a qualifying condition to submit their application for a Low THC Registry Card. The physician must complete and sign a waiver form as well as a certification form and submit these to the Georgia Department of Public Health by entering the information provided in the state’s Low THC Oil Registry. Only a physician with an active MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) license, and in good standing with the state’s Composite Medical Board, can issue a medical certification for low THC oil in Georgia.

Who Qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Georgia?

In addition to having a qualifying medical condition, anyone applying for a Georgia Low THC Oil Registry Card must be 18 years or older. Eligible minors cannot apply for Georgia’s Low THC THC Oil Registry Card themselves. Their parents or legal guardians are required to apply for this card on their behalf.