Georgia News

Georgia Medical Cannabis Changes in 2026: What Patients and Caregivers Need to Know

September 7, 2026

Georgia’s medical cannabis program has undergone important updates in 2026, including changes to the patient registry and new requirements affecting physician certifications. Here’s what Georgia patients and caregivers should know.

Georgia’s medical cannabis program has undergone several changes in 2026 that patients, caregivers and physicians should be aware of.

Among the most visible changes is updated terminology for Georgia’s patient registry, while legislation that took effect July 1, 2026 also introduced new reporting requirements connected to physician certifications.

For current patients, one particularly important point is straightforward: an existing, unexpired Low THC Oil Registry Card remains valid.

Here is a closer look at what has changed — and what has not.

A New Name for Georgia’s Patient Registry

The Georgia Department of Public Health now refers to the program as the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.

Patients who already have an unexpired Low THC Oil Registry Card do not need to replace the card simply because the program’s name has changed.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, existing Low THC Oil Registry Cards remain valid until their expiration dates. Replacement cards and newly issued cards reflect the updated Medical Cannabis program name.

How Patients Enter the Registry

Georgia’s medical cannabis program continues to rely on physician certification.

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, fully licensed physicians whose principal place of practice is in Georgia may certify and manage patients who have a qualifying condition.

A physician is not required to certify a patient. The decision is based on the physician’s medical judgment.

Once a physician submits the required patient information and documentation through the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry, the Georgia Department of Public Health reviews the information.

Patients should use the Georgia Department of Public Health’s current instructions rather than relying on older online guides, since program procedures and terminology can change.

How Long Is a Georgia Medical Cannabis Card Valid?

The Georgia Department of Public Health currently states that a Medical Cannabis card is valid for five years.

The expiration date appears on the card.

After the card expires, the patient must consult with a physician regarding renewal.

Georgia DPH currently lists the card fee as $30. An additional service fee applies when using DPH’s online payment portal.

Patients should verify current fees directly with the Georgia Department of Public Health because government fees and procedures may change.

How Much Medical Cannabis May a Registered Patient Possess?

Georgia’s current Department of Public Health guidance states that registered patients or their caregivers may legally possess medical cannabis containing up to 12,000 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

This authorization applies to qualified patients and caregivers participating in Georgia’s Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.

It does NOT mean recreational marijuana is legal in Georgia.

People should consult current Georgia law and official state guidance regarding possession, eligibility and other restrictions.

SB 395 Took Effect July 1, 2026

Another change affecting Georgia’s medical cannabis program came through Senate Bill 395.

According to the Georgia General Assembly, SB 395 became effective July 1, 2026.

The legislation addresses information physicians must submit in connection with certifying individuals for Georgia’s medical cannabis registry.

It also provides for annual reporting and authorizes the Georgia Department of Public Health to disclose certain registry information to the Georgia Composite Medical Board for purposes provided by law.

For patients, this should not be interpreted as eliminating the physician-certification process. Physician certification remains the pathway described by Georgia DPH for qualified patients seeking access to the state’s medical cannabis program.

What Current Cardholders Should Know

For current Georgia patients and caregivers, several practical points stand out:

• An unexpired Low THC Oil Registry Card remains valid despite the program’s updated name.
• Newly issued and replacement cards may use the updated Medical Cannabis program terminology.
• Medical Cannabis cards are currently valid for five years.
• Physician certification remains part of Georgia’s legal patient-registration process.
• Georgia’s medical cannabis program does not make recreational marijuana legal.
• Patients should verify current requirements through official Georgia government sources because cannabis laws and administrative procedures can change.

Where to Find Official Information

Patients and caregivers should rely on official Georgia sources when making decisions about registration, eligibility, possession or program requirements.