Currently, Senate Bill 220 is under review with the most notable differences being the change in terminology in the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act” and the revision of the list of diagnosed conditions for which a medical cannabis card can be issued.
- The term “low THC oil” would be replaced by “medical cannabis” throughout the entire bill , which would allow different forms of cannabis products to be introduced to the market including, but not limited to, vape devices and edibles. Vaporization of medical cannabis would be legal for any registered patient if it does not complicate their existing condition(s) and if the patient is older than the age of 21.
- “Registered patients” would refer to patients and their caregivers. A caregiver is clearly defined as the legal guardian of a patient under the age of 18, a designated adult selected by patient, or personnel who works in a healthcare institution. After application, the department will issue a separate registration card for designated caregivers. Extending this accessibility of medical cannabis to caregivers will make it more convenient for patients who require the additional assistance.
- Furthermore, Georgia is enhancing accessibility by going digital. Patients will be presented with the option of obtaining an electronic registration card, physical registration card, or both during the application process. A registration card is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued.
- There is also a shift of focus on product packaging. Medical cannabis products would no longer require a percentage amount of THC on labeling but would require a clear indication of the amount of THC present in each product and that amount cannot exceed 1,200 mg of THC. Registered patients are not allowed to purchase or carry more than 12,000 mg of THC in medical products at once.
- Lastly, the list of conditions that qualify for medical cannabis is expanding to reach patients who did not qualify before. Any patient with cancer, amyotrophic lateral disease (ALS), multiple sclerosis(MS), sickle cell disease, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease would qualify for the use of medical cannabis, regardless of condition severity. Other conditions that are being added are inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, severe arthritis, and severe insomnia
