Georgia’s cannabis laws remain among the most restrictive in the country in 2025, leaving many people uncertain about whether weed is legal for medical or recreational use. This page outlines the current marijuana laws in Georgia, including possession rules, the state’s low-THC medical cannabis program, and how local decriminalization efforts fit into the broader legal framework. For a wider breakdown of cannabis laws by location—covering U.S. states, major cities, and countries worldwide—explore our Cannabis Laws by Location guide.
Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in Georgia 2024
1. Recreational Marijuana
- Illegal statewide: Recreational use of marijuana is not legalized in Georgia.
- Possession penalties:
- Possession of 1 oz or less is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail or a $1,000 fine.
- Possession of more than 1 oz is a felony with more severe penalties.
2. Medical Marijuana
- Permitted in limited form: Georgia allows low-THC oil use under the “Low THC Oil Registry.”
- THC limits: Medical cannabis oil must contain no more than 5% THC and must have equal or greater CBD content.
- Possession limits: Patients may legally possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil.
- Eligible conditions:
- Cancer
- Seizure disorders
- Crohn’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Terminal illness (and others)
3. Access and Distribution
- No dispensaries statewide: Retail access remains highly limited, though licensed dispensaries have slowly begun to operate under strict regulations.
- Cultivation: Personal or commercial cultivation of marijuana remains illegal.
4. Local Decriminalization
- Municipal reforms:
- Cities like Atlanta, Savannah, and Clarkston have decriminalized possession of small amounts (under 1 oz).
- These local laws typically result in a civil fine rather than criminal charges, but state law still applies.
5. Summary
In 2025, Georgia law strictly prohibits recreational marijuana, while offering a limited medical program for low-THC oil use. Full-scale legalization remains absent, and cannabis remains tightly regulated under state law, with only minor relaxations at the local level.
