Licensed Pharmacies in Georgia Set to Begin Cannabis Oil Sales by Late August

LOS ANGELES– The legal cannabis market in Georgia is poised to expand significantly as the state Board of Pharmacy recently introduced regulations enabling independent pharmacies to distribute cannabis oil. This development, following the legalization of marijuana cultivation in 2019, signifies a notable policy shift in Georgia.

According to a report by Capitol Beat, the legislation allows for the conversion of harvested marijuana plants into low-THC cannabis oil, intended for treating various ailments. The responsibility of maintaining a registry of eligible patients falls under the purview of the state’s Department of Public Health.

Presently, two companies, Trulieve Georgia and Botanical Sciences LLC, have obtained licenses to manufacture therapeutic cannabis oil and have already opened dispensaries in Marietta and Macon. In addition to these initial dispensaries, over 700 independent pharmacies throughout Georgia will be authorized to distribute cannabis oil to qualifying patients.

Andrew Turnage, the executive director of the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, disclosed that more than 100 pharmacies have expressed interest in participating in the program. Turnage emphasized the significance of this opportunity, stating, “This gives an opportunity for virtually every community to have access.”

The pharmacy board recently conducted a brief public hearing to discuss the proposed rules surrounding the sale of cannabis oil by pharmacies. Turnage anticipates that the board will approve these regulations in the near future. He explained that the regulations would establish a pathway for independent pharmacies to apply, subjecting them to inspections and regulations pertaining to the sale of this medicinal product.

The board is expected to release a draft application form next week, which will provide details on the proposed fee schedule. Turnage estimates that the first round of licensed pharmacies will commence selling cannabis oil from late August to early September.

Cannabis oil treatment will be available to patients diagnosed with a range of illnesses, including terminal cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and autism. The new regulations aim to ensure that those in need have access to this therapeutic option across Georgia.