Georgia Lawmakers Reconsider Medical Cannabis Expansion in 2026 Session

13 January 2026

Georgia lawmakers have returned to Atlanta for the 2026 legislative session with renewed attention on the state’s medical cannabis program. Advocates are pressing for changes that would expand access beyond low-THC oil, arguing that current restrictions leave many patients without timely or effective relief.

The state legalized limited medical cannabis years ago, but only in forms derived from low-THC oil. Patients must hold a state-issued card and are restricted to products such as tinctures, gummies, and infused drinks. Inhalable products remain illegal, even for registered patients.

Military veterans have emerged as some of the most visible advocates for reform, stating cannabis helps them manage chronic pain, anxiety, and neurological symptoms after years of reliance on prescription narcotics. Physicians treating similar patients report that inhalable products may provide faster symptom relief than oil-based options currently permitted under Georgia law.

A Senate bill under consideration during the 2026 session would expand allowable products to include inhalable cannabis and raise the permitted THC concentration. The proposal mirrors legislation debated last year that passed both the House and Senate but was not signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp.

Industry data may be shaping the renewed push. According to state reports, patient enrollment has grown modestly but remains stagnant compared with other medical cannabis states. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission noted that industry development has largely plateaued, with strict product limits cited as a contributing factor.

Georgia’s tightly controlled licensing structure also limits growth. Only six cultivation licenses and 15 retail licenses are currently authorized statewide, with additional licenses tied directly to patient registration milestones. While independent pharmacies are allowed to sell low-THC oil, broader market participation remains constrained.

Advocates argue that expanding medical cannabis access could also reduce reliance on hemp-derived THC products, which have proliferated under looser regulations. At the same time, a federal ban on certain hemp-derived cannabinoids, signed into law last year, may further pressure Georgia lawmakers to revisit the medical cannabis framework.

As the legislative session unfolds, the outcome remains uncertain. What is clear is that patients, physicians, and operators are once again asking whether Georgia’s medical cannabis program reflects current medical needs or remains shaped by earlier political compromises.