SB 220 — the 'Putting Georgia's Patients First Act' — was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 12, 2026. Federal rescheduling to Schedule III took effect April 22, 2026. GMCS breaks down what changed, what it means for patients, and what comes next.
2025–2026 Legislative Session: SB 220 — the 'Putting Georgia's Patients First Act' — was signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 12, 2026. This is the most significant advancement in Georgia's medical cannabis policy in years.
Georgia's medical cannabis program is governed by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GAMCC) and the Georgia Medical Cannabis Registry (formerly the Low THC Oil Registry), established under HB 324 (2019). SB 220 — the 'Putting Georgia's Patients First Act' — expands the program significantly, introducing plant material (vaporization only, 21+), a milligram dosing system, expanded qualifying conditions, and 5-year card renewals.
Patient ResourcesBills and laws that have shaped — or are shaping — Georgia's medical cannabis program.
Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp on May 12, 2026. Allows plant material (vaporization only, 21+), introduces milligram dosing, expands qualifying conditions, extends cards to 5 years, and permits electronic cards.
Patient AccessRequires Georgia physicians to complete cannabis-specific CME, conduct PDMP checks before certifying patients, and submit annual patient outcome reports to the Georgia Composite Medical Board.
Provider StandardsEstablished Georgia's Low THC Oil Registry (now the Georgia Medical Cannabis Registry) and created the legal framework for patient access to low-THC cannabis oil for qualifying medical conditions. Introduced a legal in-state supply chain.
FoundationalAuthorized the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission to issue licenses to dispensing organizations, enabling the first legal dispensaries to open in Georgia.
AccessGeorgia's first step — allowed limited CBD oil for patients with severe seizure disorders. Named for Haleigh Cox, whose family's advocacy sparked Georgia's medical cannabis movement.
First AccessActing Attorney General Todd Blanche signed a DEA Final Order moving state-licensed medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act — effective April 22, 2026. Georgia's SB 220 program, operating under a state medical marijuana license, is directly covered.
U.S. Department of Justice / DEA Final Order, Effective April 22, 2026. Signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The 'Putting Georgia's Patients First Act' represents the most significant expansion of Georgia's medical cannabis program since 2019.
For the first time, plant material is permitted — but only via vaporization, and only for patients 21 and older.
A structured milligram dosing system is introduced, bringing precision and accountability to patient access and dispensary operations.
The list of qualifying medical conditions is expanded, allowing more Georgia patients to access the program legally.
Enhanced compliance requirements and reporting obligations are established to ensure program integrity and patient safety.
Cards are extended to 5 years. Patients with incurable or irreversible conditions are no longer required to recertify annually.
Electronic registry cards are now permitted, giving patients immediate access without waiting for a physical card.
| Category | 2025 — Before SB 220 | 2026 — After SB 220 |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Material | Not permitted | Permitted (vaporization only, 21+) |
| Vaporization | Not allowed | Allowed for registered patients 21+ |
| THC Limits | Medical cannabis oil only (20 fl oz) | Milligram dosing system — up to 12,000mg |
| Doctor Requirements | Physician recommendation | Georgia-based physician, patient monitoring, DPH reporting |
| Qualifying Conditions | Limited list | Expanded conditions |
| Card Validity | Annual renewal required | 5-year cards; no annual recertification for incurable conditions |
Source: Georgia General Assembly — SB 220 (2025–2026 Session) · legis.ga.gov/legislation/70559
Under Georgia's medical cannabis program as updated by SB 220 — what is permitted and what remains prohibited.
This summary is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change. Consult a licensed Georgia attorney or your certifying physician for guidance specific to your situation.
Cannabis placed in Schedule I. NORML founded. A 54-year federal battle begins.
Georgia's first step — limited CBD oil for seizure disorders. Named for Haleigh Cox, whose family's advocacy changed Georgia law.
Expanded qualifying conditions and created the Low THC Oil Registry (now the Georgia Medical Cannabis Registry) with a legal in-state supply chain.
Georgia Medical Cannabis Society established to advocate for patients and educate the public.
GAMCC authorized to issue dispensary licenses. Georgia's first legal dispensaries open.
The 'Putting Georgia's Patients First Act' introduced. Blue Ribbon Study Committee convened; GMCS provides expert testimony on vaporization.
Governor Brian Kemp signs SB 220 into law. Vaporization of plant material is now permitted for registered patients 21+ — a direct result of GMCS advocacy and testimony before the Blue Ribbon Study Committee.
DEA Final Order signed by Acting AG Todd Blanche. State-licensed medical cannabis moves to Schedule III. Section 280E tax burden lifted. Georgia's program is directly covered.
As a patient-led nonprofit, GMCS participates directly in Georgia's legislative process — attending committee hearings, providing expert testimony, meeting with legislators, and mobilizing patient advocates across the state. GMCS was invited to present before the 2025 Blue Ribbon Study Committee on vaporization and medical devices.
GMCS representatives testify before House and Senate committees. GMCS presented before the 2025 Blue Ribbon Study Committee on vaporization and medical devices.
We provide evidence-based briefings to lawmakers on patient outcomes, program gaps, and best practices from other states.
Through Pressure Play Workshops, we train patients and families to contact their representatives and show up at hearings.
GMCS works with healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and community organizations — including national affiliate Americans for Safe Access — to build broad support for patient-centered legislation.
Official Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission resources and registry information.
Visit GAMCCRead the full DEA Final Order rescheduling cannabis to Schedule III, effective April 22, 2026.
Read Full OrderGMCS is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our legislative work focuses exclusively on patient access, safety, and rights — not on any political party, candidate, or broader cannabis legalization agenda.
Join the Pressure Squad, attend a Pressure Play Workshop, or sign up for advocacy alerts. Patients in the room change policy — and SB 220 is proof.
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