Georgia’s Growing Cannabis Industry: 25,000 Patients and Counting

18 November 2024

Georgia’s medical marijuana program has reached a pivotal point, now serving over 25,000 registered patients. This achievement allows the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission to move forward with approving new dispensary locations, increasing access to medical cannabis products across the state. Initially launched in 2015 to permit the use of low-THC cannabis oil for specific health conditions, the program underwent major updates in 2019. These changes introduced a tightly regulated system for licensing the cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution of medical cannabis products under close state supervision.

To further improve the program, the commission recently organized listening sessions at venues like Georgia Southern University and Kennesaw State University. These discussions provided an opportunity for patients, caregivers, and medical experts to share their perspectives and propose enhancements. Presently, six licensed companies manage 13 operational dispensaries, with additional locations planned as patient enrollment continues to climb, aligning with the guidelines of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Production License Act.

The program’s growth promises to benefit thousands of patients managing conditions such as PTSD, cancer, and epilepsy, offering a regulated alternative to unverified or out-of-state cannabis sources. Beyond its medical impact, Georgia’s expanding cannabis sector is poised to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in cultivation, processing, and retail, supported by strict state policies that ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality cannabis products.