Georgia continues to enforce a restrictive stance on cannabis law, keeping most forms of weed illegal while allowing only limited medical use under tightly controlled conditions. Recreational marijuana remains prohibited statewide, though select cities have adopted local decriminalization measures that reduce penalties for small amounts. This page explains Georgia’s current marijuana legality, including possession penalties, medical cannabis rules, hemp-derived THC restrictions, and how state policy aligns with broader federal law. For readers who want to understand how Georgia’s approach compares across the country, see our comprehensive breakdown of cannabis regulations by location across U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide in the Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Georgia
1. Recreational Marijuana
- Status: Illegal statewide.
- Possession Laws:
- More than 1 ounce: Classified as a felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
- 1 ounce or less: A misdemeanor infraction carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
- Local Decriminalization:
- Cities such as Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, and Athens have passed ordinances to decriminalize small amounts.
- In these cities, possession may result in a civil fine (typically $35–$150) rather than criminal charges.
- Consumption and Cultivation: Not permitted under any circumstances for recreational use.
2. Medical Marijuana
- Legal Status: Legal in the form of low-THC cannabis oil for registered patients.
- THC Limits:
- Permitted Forms:
- Oils, tinctures, capsules, patches, and topical formulations.
- Vaping is now allowed.
- Smokable and edible forms remain banned.
- Qualifying Conditions Include:
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Crohn’s disease
- PTSD
- Intractable or chronic pain
- Terminal illness and others
- Patient Requirements:
- Must register with the Georgia Department of Public Health.
- Must hold a valid Low THC Oil Registry Card.
- Dispensaries:
- Operational since 2023.
- Only licensed facilities can dispense approved medical products.
3. Hemp-Derived THC Products
- Regulation: Heavily restricted.
- THC Types Covered: Delta-8, delta-10, and similar synthetic cannabinoids.
- New Laws:
- Products must be lab-tested and accurately labeled.
- Total THC content must not exceed 0.3%.
- THC-infused beverages are now banned outright.
4. Federal Context
- Federal Law: Marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
- Rescheduling Efforts: National reclassification efforts are underway but not yet enacted.
- Impact on Georgia: State law continues to follow a conservative stance aligned with federal prohibition.
Conclusion
Georgia maintains a strict policy against recreational marijuana but has gradually expanded its medical cannabis program to accommodate a broader range of patients. Despite pressure from national reform trends, the state continues to impose strict limitations on cannabis use and commercial availability.
