This article on Georgia Medical Cannabis was originally posted on Jodeci’s Substack, who has allowed us to share it with you.
A Patient’s Perspective on Health Equity
A Foundation Built on Industry Experience
If there’s one thing this journey has revealed, it’s that access to medicine should never feel like a privilege—it should be a right.
The path to this work has been anything but ordinary. From dispensary floors to cultivation and product development labs, from advocacy spaces to the shelves of dispensaries, every step has been a lesson in service, perseverance, and purpose.
My journey began in Nevada’s cannabis industry, working hands-on with dispensary operations, delivery logistics, cultivation, marketing, and sales. Every role served as a stepping stone, revealing both the challenges and opportunities within a growing industry.
Those experiences led to product development under Jodeci’s Alternative Daily Enhancements (J.A.D.E.), where collaboration with anesthesiologists, California cannabis farmers, and medical doctors deepened an understanding of plant medicine and its potential to heal. Seeing a product placed on dispensary shelves for the first time wasn’t just a milestone—it was proof of what’s possible when passion, knowledge, and opportunity align.
That moment inspired the launch of Hunny’s Honey, a hemp-infused Manuka honey brand, and fueled a greater commitment to helping people integrate cannabis into their lifestyle through nutrition and wellness.
Yet, the work didn’t stop at product development. Advocacy became the next calling—partnering with the Chamber of Cannabis to push for consumption lounge legislation and DUI reform, ensuring that patients and consumers had safe, legal spaces to access cannabis responsibly.
Now, as a national resource within Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), the focus expanded to policy reform and equity, advocating for communities historically excluded from the legal industry.
Through it all, one truth became clear—plant medicine was never a fallback, but a calling. Choosing cannabis over chemically manufactured pharmaceuticals wasn’t about rejection; it was about alignment with what the body naturally responded to and what the earth freely provided.
Bringing That Perspective to Georgia
Arriving in Georgia wasn’t just about becoming a medical cannabis patient—it was about understanding the system, elevating the conversation, and continuing the mission of making plant-based healing more accessible for all.
But what I found here was a system built on limitations, not patient care.
Navigating Georgia’s Medical Cannabis Process: A Lesson in Barriers
In Washington, D.C., I became a self-certified medical cannabis patient in under 10 minutes for $10—with no doctor’s appointment, no unnecessary fees, and full access to the products that best fit my needs. As a three-day visitor, I had more legal options than I do as a registered medical cannabis patient in Georgia. Unlike D.C., where self-certification is an option, Georgia requires a physician consultation and state registration—a process that cost me nearly $200 between doctor fees and state fees.
The application itself was simple, largely thanks to the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS), an organization dedicated to educating patients and providing access to affordable evaluations. They welcomed me into the community, providing clarity on the program’s rules, available products, and limitations.
With their $55 discount, I booked an appointment through Veriheal, a third-party telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed physicians.
Within minutes, I had an appointment scheduled, and within days, I had my card.
On paper, this sounds like a success story, but the reality was different.
The Doctor’s Visit: A Transaction, Not a Consultation
The consultation, if you could call it that, lasted under three minutes.
The doctor asked one question:
“When were you diagnosed?”
I answered.
He approved me.
The appointment was over.
There was no conversation about my symptoms, treatment history, or how cannabis fit into my overall wellness plan. No discussion on dosage, product selection, or best consumption methods.
It felt less like a medical consultation and more like a formality—a necessary hoop to jump through to gain legal access.
A System That Falls Short for Patients
Receiving my card meant I was legally protected, but it did not mean I had real access to effective treatment.
Once my card arrived, I was left to figure everything out on my own. There was no information included—no guidance on where to purchase low THC oil, how to dose it, or even what products were legally available.
I had expected some level of patient support, but instead, I received a card in the mail and nothing else.
For a first-time patient, this lack of education could lead to confusion or improper dosing. For a seasoned cannabis patient like me, it was another reminder that Georgia’s system is not structured for patient care—but for regulation.
And the biggest issue? The limitations placed on what patients can actually access.
Georgia’s Medical Cannabis Restrictions: Who Are We Really Protecting?
Many states allow patients access to a variety of cannabis forms, including flower, edibles, tinctures, lozenges, topicals, and vaporized options—but Georgia restricts patients to low-THC oil with no clear plan for expansion.
For patients like me, who rely on higher-dose options to manage pain, reduce C-PTSD triggers, and support overall well-being, Georgia’s program does not fully support patient needs.
Under Georgia’s Low THC Oil program, patients who hold a Georgia Low THC Oil Registry Card are legally allowed to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil. However, their access to other forms of medical cannabis is severely restricted. Georgia law allows for the sale of low-THC cannabis oil with a maximum concentration of 5% THC, available in tinctures, capsules, and topicals—but excludes biomass and whole-plant options that could better serve patients with chronic conditions.
As a result, patients are denied access to key therapeutic products, including:
- No THC Flower – One of the most effective and natural forms of cannabis is completely off-limits to patients.
- No Edibles, Lozenges, or Consumables – Many rely on these for longer-lasting relief, but they remain banned.
- No Vaporization – Fast-acting relief through inhalation is restricted.
- No Juicing or Whole-Plant Use – The raw plant’s medicinal potential is ignored.
- No Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – A potent full-extract cannabis oil used by many patients for serious medical conditions is not available.
Why are legally registered, medically approved patients still denied access to the full potential of cannabis?
The Bottom Line– Georgia’s Low THC Oil Program is one of the most restrictive in the country, denying patients access to the full range of cannabis-based medicine they need.
A Vision for a More Patient-Centered Medical Program
Georgia has an opportunity to transform its medical cannabis program into one that prioritizes patients, scientific advancements, and economic growth. To achieve this, the peachy, honeybee State must embrace reforms that remove unnecessary barriers and establish a system that is both accessible and sustainable.
Key Areas for Improvement
Expand Access to a Full Range of Cannabis-Based Medicine
- Patients should have access to flower, concentrates, edibles, and vaporization—not just low-THC oil.
- Expanding product availability will ensure patients can find the best treatment for their individual needs, as demonstrated in other states with more inclusive programs.
Equip Physicians with the Knowledge to Provide Meaningful Care
- Require cannabis education in continuing medical education (CME) requirements so doctors can provide informed recommendations.
- Physicians must be trained on dosing, terpene profiles, and cannabinoid interactions to guide patients effectively.
Create an Ongoing Support System for Patients
- A one-time consultation is insufficient. Physicians should provide follow-up care to help patients adjust their treatment plans.
- Patients should receive clear state-provided resources on dosing, product access, and legal protections.
Protect Patients from Workplace Discrimination
- Establish employment protections so that patients are not at risk of losing their jobs for legally using medical cannabis.
Support Georgia’s Small Businesses and Hemp Industry
- The ban on consumable hemp products has forced local businesses out of the market, affecting jobs and economic growth.
- Reinstating legal access to hemp-derived edibles and wellness products would allow Georgia’s hemp and cannabis sectors to flourish while maintaining consumer safety. As an entrepreneur, I’ve felt the weight of these restrictions firsthand. Hunny’s Honey, my hemp-infused beauty and wellness brand, is now forced to pivot in ways I never anticipated—limiting the very products that have helped people incorporate plant-based healing into their daily lives. These policies don’t just impact businesses; they limit access to wellness solutions that consumers rely on.
A Future Where Georgia Leads in Medical Cannabis Innovation
Rather than remaining one of the most restricted medical programs in the country, Georgia has the opportunity to become a model for patient-centered cannabis reform.
A thriving medical cannabis program would:
- Strengthen the economy by creating jobs and tax revenue.
- Encourage scientific research at institutions like Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine.
- Address social equity by providing relief to communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis criminalization.
The path forward is clear—it’s time to move beyond limitations and toward meaningful progress.
Georgia, It’s Time to Pollinate Change
The movement for medical cannabis reform in Georgia is about more than just policy—it’s about the patients, advocates, and leaders pushing for meaningful change.
The recent Tea Pad discussion in Atlanta highlighted this momentum. Commissioner Andrew Turnage, Dr. Terel Newton, Judson Hill, and Dr. Rene led conversations that broke down new regulations and the next steps forward for the industry. Commissioner Turnage emphasized the urgency of grassroots advocacy:
“A lot of people ask why we don’t advocate from the commission’s perspective. The reality is, it’s not an agency bill—it’s YOUR bill.”
While the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission can propose policy recommendations, they cannot lobby for legislative change. That responsibility falls on patients, caregivers, and advocates to ensure new policies are enacted.
Barriers to Progress & Public Awareness Gaps
On January 15, 2025, Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission published a 2024 reflections report from the state’s first patient listening tour at different univerisities in five sessions between October 24, 2024- November 21, 2024. One of the biggest takeaways from Commissioner Andrew Turnage’s listening tour was how misunderstood Georgia’s medical cannabis program remains. Many patients and physicians were unaware the program even existed, while others found the current process too restrictive to navigate.
Key findings from the Patient Listening Tour Report:
- Limited Physician Awareness & Education – Many healthcare professionals are unfamiliar with Georgia’s cannabis program, creating a major barrier for patients seeking recommendations.
- Renaming “Low THC Oil” to “Medical Cannabis” – Patients overwhelmingly felt the term “low THC oil” is misleading and prevents cannabis from being recognized as legitimate medicine.
- Expanding Qualifying Medical Conditions – Many patients with chronic conditions cannot access cannabis due to restrictive condition lists.
- Severe Product Limitations – Current laws prohibit commonly used medical cannabis forms, preventing patients from accessing products that best fit their medical needs.
- Lack of Legal Protections – Patients fear losing employment, gun rights, or access to veteran benefits due to stigma and legal gray areas surrounding medical cannabis use.
While Commissioner Turnage’s willingness to engage with patients is an important step, listening is only the beginning—Georgia must act on these recommendations to create a more effective, accessible, and compassionate medical cannabis program.
House Bill 227: A Step Toward Reform
Despite Georgia’s restrictive framework, House Bill 227 represents a potential turning point for the state’s medical cannabis program.
Key Provisions of HB 227:
- Renaming “Low THC Oil” → The bill proposes renaming “Low THC Oil” to “Medical Cannabis Oil” to align Georgia’s language with other medical programs.
- Revising Criminal Penalties → Adjustments would better protect registered patients and caregivers from unnecessary legal risk.
- Expanding Qualifying Conditions → Chronic pain and PTSD could be added to the list of qualifying conditions.
- Enhancing Patient Registry Access → Streamlining the enrollment process to help more patients receive care faster.
These changes mark a step forward, but they will only happen if the community demands them.
Yes, Georgia’s medical cannabis program remains restrictive, but momentum is growing. House Bill 227 signals real potential for progress, and the Tea Pad discussions made one thing clear:
Change Won’t Happen Unless We Push for It.
Now is the time to educate, advocate, and take action—because patients deserve better.
How You Can Make an Impact
- Contact your representatives – Call, email, or meet with state legislators to express why these bills matter.
- Tell your story – Whether you’re a patient, caregiver, or advocate, your personal experiences can influence policy.
- Stay informed & vote – Support candidates who back medical cannabis expansion.
- Support advocacy groups – Events like Tea Pad, Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM), and Georgia Medical Cannabis Society are driving real conversations that move policy forward.
For further information on Georgia’s Low THC Oil program, visit:
