Federal vs. State: Georgia Pharmacy Tests Marijuana Laws

19 September 2024

Living Well Pharmacy in Augusta, Georgia, has become the first pharmacy in the state to sell low-THC medical marijuana products, openly defying federal law and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warnings. The pharmacy, led by pharmacist Vic Johnson, began selling the products earlier this month, leveraging Georgia’s 2019 medical marijuana law, which permits pharmacies to dispense cannabis products containing 5% or less THC. This bold move highlights the growing tension between state-sanctioned cannabis programs and federal policies, under which marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance.

Nearly a year after the DEA cautioned pharmacies nationwide that dispensing medical marijuana breaches federal law, Johnson has made his decision. He highlighted the potential benefits for patients dealing with chronic pain, sleep disorders, and seizures as his main motivation. Johnson believes that incorporating medical cannabis into his offerings could increase his business by as much as 50%, demonstrating substantial patient interest in accessing cannabis through conventional pharmaceutical channels.

The decision comes with significant risks, such as the potential loss of the pharmacy’s DEA registration, which permits the dispensing of other controlled substances. Johnson has suggested he might forgo this registration, as these medications make up only a minor part of his business. This step aligns with ongoing debates about cannabis rescheduling, with a Biden administration-supported proposal to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug potentially simplifying its distribution through pharmacies, although federal approval challenges persist. To involve the community, Living Well Pharmacy is hosting an educational event on medical marijuana access on September 26.