Most people assume Georgia doesn’t have a recreational cannabis market—but the hemp industry tells a different story. Hemp-derived intoxicating products, including gummies, tinctures, beverages, vapes, and topicals, are legally sold in Georgia and are comparable to recreational marijuana products in other states.
Under current law, as long as a product contains no more than 0.3% total THC, it can be legally sold in Georgia. This means that many hemp-derived products have intoxicating effects similar to those found in fully legal cannabis markets. However, due to inconsistent enforcement and misinformation, many consumers—and even some business owners—struggle to understand what is legally allowed.
The lack of regulatory oversight in the hemp market has also led to widespread quality concerns. Many hemp products on the market are mislabeled, with some exceeding the legal THC limit or containing harmful contaminants. Unlike the medical cannabis market, which requires rigorous testing, the hemp market has been plagued by inconsistent safety standards.
Without clear public education, consumers are left vulnerable to purchasing mislabeled or unsafe products. Georgia must improve oversight and testing requirements for hemp products to ensure safety and compliance while also making it easier for consumers to understand what they’re buying.
