About GMCS
Our Story
Born from a patient's need, built by a community's determination — this is how GMCS came to be.
How GMCS Began
The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) was founded in response to a crisis hiding in plain sight: qualifying patients in Georgia had legal access to medical cannabis oil, but the cost was simply out of reach for many of the people who needed it most.
Angela S. Weston, a medical cannabis patient herself, saw firsthand how financial barriers were preventing low-income, elderly, and disabled Georgians from accessing the relief they were legally entitled to. Together with co-founder Yolanda Bennett — who had been freed from a dependency on prescribed pharmaceuticals through cannabis — they built an organization to close that gap.
GMCS was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a clear purpose: help indigent patients access essential cannabis oil. As federal legal constraints evolved, so did our mission — but the core commitment never changed.
From Access to Education
What began as a financial-assistance effort grew into something larger. GMCS recognized that access alone wasn't enough — patients needed accurate information, providers needed education, and policymakers needed to hear directly from the people their decisions affected. Today, GMCS operates at the intersection of education, advocacy, and community support, providing resources that help Georgians navigate one of the most complex medical and legal landscapes in the country.
"We don't sell cannabis. We don't manufacture it. We educate, advocate, and stand beside patients every step of the way."
Why We Exist
Our Mission
To empower individuals by providing education, advocacy, and support to ensure equitable access to care — especially for underserved communities — while promoting a deeper understanding of holistic, plant-based wellness options.
"Patients Over Profits"
Our work especially centers on:
- Veterans
- Seniors
- Low-income individuals
- People with disabilities
- The formerly incarcerated
Milestones
GMCS Through the Years
GMCS founded to provide financial assistance to indigent medical cannabis patients in Georgia.
Mission expanded to include patient education and provider outreach as the Georgia medical cannabis program grew.
GMCS-TV and the CannaShame Podcast launched to reach patients across the state with accessible, stigma-free education.
Advocacy Hub and Bill Tracker introduced to help patients and advocates engage with the legislative process.
Compassion in Practice and Masterclass programs launched to educate healthcare providers and community leaders.
Pressure Play Workshop and Pressure Squad programs launched to train patient advocates for direct legislative engagement.
GMCS earned the Candid Gold Seal of Transparency, affirming our commitment to open governance and accountability.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Education First
We provide accurate, accessible information about medical cannabis to patients, caregivers, and the broader community — cutting through misinformation with science and compassion.
Advocacy That Counts
We fight for policies that prioritize people over politics, ensuring patient voices are heard in the legislative process at every level.
Equitable Access
We work to remove financial and systemic barriers so every qualifying Georgian can access the care they need, regardless of income or background.
Stigma Reduction
We eliminate stigma through education and storytelling, normalizing plant-based wellness options and honoring the dignity of every patient.
Community Support
We connect patients with trusted resources and build a compassionate, informed community of advocates across Georgia.
Full Compliance
All of our work is conducted in full compliance with Georgia law and in service of our patients — always.
In the Community
Education & Advocacy in Action
Be Part of the Story
GMCS is patient-led, community-powered, and mission-driven. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, provider, or advocate — there's a place for you here.