While limiting access to adolescents and young adults, lawmakers have been discussing ways to increase the availability of medical marijuana for those with chronic diseases and support the agricultural sector that produces these plants.
According to a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution poll, most Georgians believe that marijuana should be legalized for recreational use, just like it is in 24 other states.
However, it is unlikely that Georgia would legalize marijuana completely anytime soon, primarily due to conservative leadership’s discomfort with drug use.
Lawmakers took a move earlier this year to restrict the use of Delta-8 gummies and to outlaw Delta-8 THC drinks. They also looked into permitting vaping devices that provide quicker relief and raising the percentage of Delta-9 THC in medical marijuana from 5% to 50%. The cannabis plant contains chemicals such as delta-8 and delta-9 THC.
The Senate approved the bills, but the House rejected them.
In 2015, Georgia began allowing individuals with qualifying medical conditions to receive low-THC oil; however, access to dispensaries was not granted until 2023. Convenience stores may carry goods with a higher THC content, which contributes to the program’s low participation rate.
According to the state Department of Public Health, over 800 doctors prescribe medical cannabis, and approximately 34,000 individuals take part in the program.
In 2018, hemp production and distribution were authorized by Congress.
However, Georgia has pushed for additional regulations on items such as edibles and adult beverages that include THC, even if doing so would hurt the state’s hemp sector.
While THC drinks are legal in the majority of states, they are prohibited in Texas and California. The study team from Georgia will look at those states as well as Florida, which has a thriving sector, and Tennessee.
A variety of viewpoints were expressed by those who spoke before the committee, which consists of the agricultural commissioner, people, and lawmakers.
Some claimed that cannabis was the only thing that helped them deal with their ongoing suffering, while others claimed that cannabis had caused psychosis in their kids. Legislators began to doubt assertions made by some groups linking cannabis access to violence and theft.
We must be open-minded, and I have personally witnessed that medical marijuana saves lives, said state Representative David Clark, a Republican from Buford who served in the military and has pushed for greater understanding of PTSD.
The committee will hold four meetings before the next legislative session, the first of which was held on Tuesday. It is anticipated that it will offer suggestions that may become legislation.
The following meeting is scheduled for August in Augusta.
