Becoming a Patient in Georgia

Patients who believe they may be eligible should consult with their physician about the possibility of obtaining a card allowing them to possess 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil within the state of Georgia. If approved by the physician, the patient or patient's caregivers' information will be entered into DPH's secure "Low THC Oil Registry" and a card(s) will be issued. Patients and caregivers will be notified when the cards are ready for pickup (within 15 business days) from one of several public health offices geographically spread around the state. "Low THC Oil Registry" cards cost $25 - the standard fee for obtaining a vital record in Georgia - and will be valid for two years from the date issued. After that time, cardholders will need to again consult with their physician about their continued eligibility and to request that they update and confirm their information into the registry. Find more info on Georgia's patient registry website.

Eligible conditions:

An individual with one of the following conditions and diseases would qualify for the Low THC Oil Registry:

• Cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Seizure disorders related to diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma related head injuries
• Multiple sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Crohn's disease
• Mitochondrial disease
• Parkinson's disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Tourette's syndrome, when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe
• Autism spectrum disorder, when (a) patient is 18 years of age or more, or (b) patient is less than 18 years of age and diagnosed with severe autism
• Epidermolysis bullosa
• Alzheimer's disease, when such disease is severe or end stage
• AIDS when such syndrome is severe or end stage
• Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe or end stage
• Patient is in hospice program, either as inpatient or outpatient
• Intractable pain
• Post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing of a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years of age

Becoming a Patient as a Minor:

The application process to obtain low-THC oil for minors is non-existent. Instead, a parent or legal guardian will apply for a registry card on behalf of their child. If there is more than one adult caring for a child, then each may apply for a seperate card.

Benefits of Being a Patient:

As a patient in Georgia, you will have an affirmative defense in court if arrested with up to 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil on your person.

Becoming a Caregiver:

To become a caregiver in Georgia, you must apply for the same $25 registry card that covers patients.

Out of State Patients:

Georgia extends its narrow legal protections to registered patients from out of state.

Home Cultivation:

The state of Georgia does not allow the home cultivation of cannabis.