Georgia Lawmakers Pass SB 220 Expanding Medical Cannabis Program

23 March 2026

Georgia’s medical cannabis program, long defined by strict limits and narrow access, may be entering a new phase.

State lawmakers have approved Senate Bill 220, known as the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” sending the proposal to Governor Brian Kemp for a final decision. The legislation passed with a wide margin in the House and earlier cleared the Senate, reflecting bipartisan backing alongside some notable concerns.

If signed into law, the bill would remove the state’s 5 percent THC cap on medical cannabis products, a restriction that has shaped Georgia’s program since its early days. It would also formally replace the term “low THC oil” with “medical cannabis” across state law, signaling a broader shift in how the program is defined.

The changes extend beyond terminology:

• Patients aged 21 and older would be allowed to use vaporized cannabis, a method some clinicians and industry figures say delivers faster relief than oils or capsules.
• Edible products, such as cannabis-infused gummies, would also be permitted, while cannabis flower would be available specifically for vaping purposes.
• Smoking remains prohibited.

Lawmakers also added lupus to the list of qualifying conditions and introduced provisions requiring that recommending physicians primarily practice in Georgia. The bill includes updates to registration rules and renewals, along with revisions to how criminal penalties and exemptions are applied to lawful medical cannabis use.

Supporters of the measure argue that the current system has been too restrictive to meet patient needs. Georgia has about 34,500 registered patients and 2,200 caregivers, numbers that some industry participants say are low compared to other states with medical programs. They point to limitations on potency and product types as possible barriers to broader participation.

For patients dealing with chronic or severe conditions, the option to use inhaled cannabis may reduce wait times for symptom relief. Oils and tinctures, while still available, can take significantly longer to take effect. That difference, advocates say, can matter for people managing acute pain or seizure episodes.

Still, not all lawmakers are convinced the expansion strikes the right balance. Some have raised concerns that removing THC limits and allowing inhalation methods could increase the likelihood of misuse or unintended effects. Advocacy groups focused on substance use have also warned about potential impacts on youth brain development, driving safety, and workplace productivity, though the bill maintains restrictions on access and public use.

The legislation also reflects a broader effort to clarify how medical cannabis fits within Georgia’s legal framework. It explicitly excludes lawful possession from the state’s controlled substances law and outlines new responsibilities for regulators and licensed businesses, including rules around information sharing and compliance.

Governor Kemp now faces three options, he can sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to take effect without his signature. The outcome will determine whether Georgia moves toward a more expansive medical cannabis system or maintains its current, more limited approach.