How to Get a Georgia Medical Marijuana Card in 2023
Article written by
Mike ReddyMarketing Associate
Content reviewed by
Ruth LemonVP of Operations
In 2015, then Georgia Governor Nathan Deal legalized medical marijuana when he signed House Bill 1, the Haleigh’s Hope Act, into law. The act specifically legalized the possession of up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil for patients diagnosed with at least one qualifying medical condition. However, it didn’t provide a framework for accessing medical cannabis oil.
Several expansions to the act increased the list of qualifying conditions that make Georgians eligible for a medical marijuana card. A significant milestone occurred in 2019 when Governor Brian Kemp signed Georgia’s Hope Act into law, allowing in-state production, manufacturing, and dispensing of low-THC oil. Now, Georgians that qualify can purchase select low-THC products in the form of oral capsules, sublinguals, and topicals, from licensed dispensaries.
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Benefits of Having a Medical Card in Georgia
Applying for a Georgia medical marijuana card is the only way state residents can purchase and consume select low-THC products legally. Recreational sales and home cultivation of cannabis remain illegal under Georgia law.
Medical marijuana patients may purchase and possess up to 20 fluid ounces of select low-THC products (oral capsules, sublinguals, topicals) containing no more than 5% THC. Qualified patients may not purchase cannabis as flower, edibles, or vaporizer cartridges at this time.
Note: There are currently only two medical cannabis dispensaries open in Georgia. They operate under the Trulieve brand and are located in Macon and Marietta. As more locations open, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will maintain an up-to-date list of state dispensaries on its website.
Eligibility Requirements
Georgia residents aged 18 and up diagnosed with at least one qualifying condition may be eligible to apply for a Georgia medical marijuana card. First, they must register for a consultation with a licensed medical marijuana doctor and get approved. With Leafwell, this appointment can take place online with telemedicine.
For a complete list of qualifying medical conditions and step-by-step instructions for the state’s medical cannabis application process, see below.
Can Minors Get a Medical Card in Georgia?
Minors can get a medical card in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the parents or legal guardians of a minor patient diagnosed with one or more qualifying conditions may apply for a low THC Oil Registry card. Both parents or legal guardians of a child may apply for separate cannabis oil identification cards.
Qualifying Conditions
The following conditions and diseases may qualify a patient for Georgia’s Low THC Oil Registry:
- AIDS, when such syndrome is severe or end stage
- Alzheimer’s disease, when such disease is severe or end stage
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- Autism spectrum disorder, when a patient is at least 18 years old or less than 18 years old and diagnosed with severe autism
- Cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
- Crohn’s disease
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Intractable pain
- Mitochondrial disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS), when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- Parkinson’s disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe or end stage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years old
- Seizure disorders related to the diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries
- Sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- The patient is in a hospice program, either as an inpatient or outpatient
- Tourette’s syndrome, when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe
How to Apply
- Register online with Leafwell.
You can speak to a physician and qualify for a Georgia medical marijuana card online with telemedicine. The cost of the online consultation is $149, and you are only billed if approved.
- Attend your appointment.
Attend your telemedicine appointment. Speak to our licensed medical marijuana doctor about your qualifying conditions, medical history, and why medical cannabis may be a good option. Ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Then, get certified for your Low THC Oil Registry card.
Note: Please prepare all necessary documentation before the appointment, including any medical records that will enable your physician to understand your medical history comprehensively.
- Receive your certificate and waiver from Leafwell.
If approved, our doctor will pass your information to the Georgia Low THC Oil Registry portal. The Georgia Department of Public Health will then reach out to you to request your certificate and your signed and notarized waiver. Once approved, they will let you know when your card has been printed.
- Pick up your card.
You will be asked to arrange a pick-up time for your new card at one of Georgia’s 20 public health offices (typically within 15 business days). The state charges a $25 fee for the card when it is picked up. Your card is valid for two years from its issue date and enables you to purchase select low-THC products with a net weight of no more than 20 fluid ounces (oral capsules, sublinguals, topicals) from licensed dispensaries.
What You’ll Need
Your physician will electronically submit your application to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The application comprises a low THC oil waiver and a physician certification form. Both the patient and the physician must sign the waiver.
Please ensure you come to your physician’s appointment prepared with all of the following patient information:
- First and last name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Caregiver information (if applicable)
- Medical records
Patients will also need $25 for Georgia’s nonrefundable fee when they pick up their MMJ card.
Costs
An online consultation with one of Leafwell’s Georgia healthcare providers is $149. However, you will not be charged if you do not qualify for your MMJ card.
The state also charges a nonrefundable $25 fee when you pick up your card from one of the state’s public health offices.
Medical Marijuana Reciprocity
According to the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, Georgia recognizes out-of-state medical patients if they have been in the state for fewer than 45 days and possess a valid registration card issued by another state that allows the same possession of low THC oil.
For further information about medical marijuana reciprocity, Leafwell maintains an up-to-date list of states and U.S. territories that accept out-of-state medical cards.
Applying as a Caregiver
Georgia defines a caregiver as a parent, guardian, or legal custodian of an individual under 18 years of age or the legal guardian of an adult.
To serve as a medical marijuana patient’s caregiver in Georgia, you will need to attend the qualified patient’s appointment with Leafwell’s physician and provide the following caregiver information to be included on the physician certification form:
- First and last name
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Email address
Where to Buy Medical Marijuana
There are currently two licensed dispensaries operating in Georgia:
3556 Riverside Drive, Macon, GA 31210
Phone: 478-972-0932
Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm*
220 Cobb Parkway Ste 600, Marietta, GA 30062
Phone: 678-402-4185
Hours: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm*
*Make sure to call and check with Trulieve for current hours!
Cultivation
Cultivation of cannabis is not permitted under Georgia law, including for medical marijuana patients with valid low THC oil cards.
Georgia Medical Marijuana Laws to Know
Below, you’ll find a few need-to-know medical marijuana laws enforced in Georgia. Check out our Georgia law page for more in-depth coverage of the state’s laws.
- Medical cannabis in Georgia is limited select low-THC products containing no more than 5% THC.
- Recreational cannabis is not legal in Georgia.
- The cultivation of cannabis is illegal, even for medical cardholders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to get a medical card in Georgia?
Getting a medical card in Georgia is easy and can be summed up in four steps:
- Register online with Leafwell.
You can speak to a physician and qualify for a Georgia medical marijuana card online with telemedicine. The cost of the online consultation is $149, and you are only billed if approved.
- Attend your appointment.
Attend your telemedicine appointment. Speak to our licensed medical marijuana doctor about your qualifying conditions, medical history, and why medical cannabis may be a good option. Ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Then, get certified for your Low THC Oil Registry card.
- Receive your certificate and waiver from Leafwell.
If approved, our doctor will pass your information to the Georgia Low THC Oil Registry portal. The Georgia Department of Public Health will then reach out to you to request your certificate and your signed and notarized waiver. Once approved, they will let you know when your card has been printed.
- Pick up your card.
You will be asked to arrange a pick-up time for your new card at one of Georgia’s 20 public health offices (typically within 15 business days). The state charges a $25 fee for the card when it is picked up. Your card is valid for two years from its issue date and enables you to purchase select low-THC products with a net weight of no more than 20 fluid ounces (oral capsules, sublinguals, topicals) from licensed dispensaries.
What qualifies you for medical marijuana in Georgia?
The following conditions and diseases may qualify a patient for medical marijuana in Georgia:
- AIDS when such syndrome is severe or end stage
- Alzheimer’s disease, when such disease is severe or end stage
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- Autism spectrum disorder, when a patient is at least 18 years old or less than 18 years old and diagnosed with severe autism
- Cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
- Crohn’s disease
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Intractable pain
- Mitochondrial disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS), when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- Parkinson’s disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe or end stage
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years old
- Seizure disorders related to the diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries
- Sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
- The patient is in a hospice program, either as an inpatient or outpatient
- Tourette’s syndrome, when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in Georgia?
After you’re approved for your medical card, the Georgia Department of Public Health typically takes around 15 business days to process your information, print your card, and have it ready for pickup at your closest public health office.
