Georgia nears medical cannabis expansion, hemp limits
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Georgia lawmakers want to expand the state's medical cannabis program and could clamp down on synthetic hemp products before the legislative session ends.
Why it matters: The potential changes come while cannabis companies lobby for relief from a federal law which could upend the billion-dollar cannabis industry, business leaders say.
🧑⚕️ Medical cannabis: The Georgia House of Representatives and Senate approved an expansion of the state's medical cannabis program, making it one signature away from becoming law.
- The bill now sitting on Gov. Brian Kemp's desk lift the cap on THC in medical cannabis, allows people to access the medicine in vape form and expands the list of qualifying conditions under the program.
🌿 Hemp: A bill by state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) would require the alphabet soup of synthetic hemp products found in Georgia convenience stores and head shops adhere to testing and labeling regulations.
- Delta-9 THC, which can create a psychoactive effect and is already regulated under state law, would not be affected.
Another proposal by state Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) would lower the limit on Delta-9 THC in drinks from 10mg per serving to 5mg and restrict sales to liquor stores.
Reality check: Cowsert's bill passed the Senate but has stalled in the House. Kirkpatrick's did not receive a floor vote.
- Lawmakers can still revive proposals until the session ends.
Zoom out: Cannabis companies and retailers are lobbying Congress to act before a new definition of hemp — one with a lower THC limit that industry leaders say would make many products commercially unviable — takes effect in November.