Navigating the Medical Cannabis Registry in Georgia

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated September 30, 2026

Registry   |   Medical Cannabis   |   Legalization   |   Get a Medical Card   |   Renew   |   Dispensaries   |   Takeaways   |   FAQs   |   Resources

Welcome to the best guide on medical cannabis in Georgia!

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • How is medical cannabis defined in Georgia?
  • How do I get a medical cannabis registry card in Georgia?
  • Where do I get medical cannabis in Georgia?

We have sourced all the information on this page from the official Georgia Department of Public Health website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s get started.

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Medical Cannabis Registry

The Georgia Department of Public Health oversees the Medical Cannabis Registry, which serves qualified patients and their caregivers. The registry, established under Georgia House Bill 1, issues personalized Medical Cannabis ID cards and maintains a database of registered patients and caregivers.

The department ensures the registry runs smoothly by enforcing specific procedures, rules for registration, and card issuance. Unlike other states, Georgia’s system only allows licensed cannabis doctors to input patient information into the registry. As a result, patients and caregivers don’t need to register with the state Registry once they’ve been certified. This makes the process easier for patients and caregivers. 

What is Considered Medical Cannabis in GA?

Georgia law defines medical cannabis as cannabis or cannabis products that contain THC, THCA, or both. Patients and their caregivers can legally possess medical cannabis containing up to 12,000 milligrams of THC.

To legally possess medical cannabis, you need an active Medical Cannabis card issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). You also need certification from a fully licensed Georgia physician for a qualifying condition, such as cancer, intractable pain, or PTSD, among others.

With a valid Georgia medical cannabis card, you can legally possess medical cannabis as allowed under Georgia law. You can also purchase medical cannabis from authorized Georgia medical cannabis dispensaries.

When Did Georgia Legalize Medical Marijuana?

Georgia established its initial medical cannabis program in 2015 when Governor Nathan Deal signed House Bill 1, known as the Haleigh’s Hope Act, into law. The law allowed qualifying patients and caregivers to legally possess low-THC oil and established a registration system through the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The 2015 law did not establish an in-state system for cultivating, producing, or dispensing low-THC oil. Instead, it focused on allowing registered patients and caregivers to legally possess the product under the state’s Low THC Oil Patient Registry.

Georgia expanded the program in 2019 through House Bill 324, known as the Georgia’s Hope Act. Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill on April 17, 2019, and it took effect on July 1, 2019. The law authorized a regulated system for limited in-state cultivation, production, manufacturing, sale, and dispensing of medical cannabis.

The Georgia’s Hope Act also established the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, which oversees licensing for businesses involved in the state’s medical cannabis supply system. The Georgia DPH remains responsible for the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry and for issuing cards to certified patients and caregivers.

Georgia does not legalize marijuana for general use. Under current state law, physician-certified patients and eligible caregivers with an active Medical Cannabis card may legally possess medical cannabis containing up to 12,000 milligrams of THC. The state allows patients to access medical cannabis through the program established under Georgia law, while the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission regulates licensed dispensaries and other businesses involved in the supply system.

How to Get a Medical Cannabis Registry Card in Georgia

At Quick Med Cards, we aim to make getting your medical cannabis registry card in Georgia as simple and cost-effective as possible.

Here’s how to get your medical cannabis registry card in Georgia:

  1. Book an appointment with one of our marijuana doctors in Georgia.
  2. Attend your online medical marijuana evaluation through a secure video call.
  3. If you qualify, your physician will complete your certification and submit your information and required documentation to the Georgia Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.
  4. After Georgia DPH verifies your information, you’ll receive an email with instructions to pay the $30 registry card fee. Submit the payment within 60 days to avoid cancellation. An additional $3.75 service fee applies to online payments. 

Allow up to 10 business days after your payment is processed to receive your card. DPH ships cards by UPS to the mailing address on file, and a signature is required upon delivery. If you do not have a permanent or secure home address or use a P.O. Box, your card will be sent to the health department location nearest your residence. DPH will notify you when it is ready for pickup, and you must provide valid identification.

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How Do I Renew My Medical Cannabis Card in Georgia?

The Georgia Medical Cannabis card is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. However, your physician must complete an annual certification to keep you eligible for medical cannabis. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card.

To renew your card, you should have Renewing your card requires a new consultation with a qualified physician. Follow these steps:

  1. Book an appointment with one of our marijuana doctors in Georgia.
  2. Attend your evaluation through a secure video appointment.
  3. Have your physician complete your annual certification and update your information in the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry.

After your physician submits the required information, the Georgia DPH reviews it. Once your information is verified, you will receive an email with instructions to pay the $30 card fee. Payments must be submitted within 60 days. Otherwise, your card will be canceled, and you will need to contact your physician to reinstate it.

The Department ships your card by UPS to the mailing address on file after you complete the payment. A signature is required upon delivery. If your card is being shipped to a health department location, you or an authorized person can pick it up with the required identification.

We recommend starting the renewal process before your current card expires. This gives you time to complete your annual physician certification, submit payment, and receive your new card without an interruption in your authorization.

Find Out if You Qualify for Medical Marijuana

Answer a few quick questions to see whether you may qualify for a medical marijuana card.

Are you 18 or older?

This helps us check whether you may apply as an adult patient or may need a caregiver.

Please select an option to continue.

Where do you live?

Select the state where you want to apply for a medical marijuana card.

Please select your state to continue.

Do you have proof of residency?

Some states require a valid state-issued ID or driver’s license. Other states may accept another proof of residency.

Please select an option to continue.

Do you have a qualifying condition?

Select any condition that applies to you.

Please select at least one option to continue.

Enter your email to see your result

We will use your answers to show whether you may qualify for a medical marijuana card.

We respect your privacy. No spam, ever.

Please enter a valid email address to see your result.

How Do You Use Medical Cannabis?

When using medical cannabis, it’s recommended that you follow your doctor’s instructions for optimal results. It’s also useful to know that dispensaries in Georgia stock medical cannabis in various forms. Depending on the product, there are different ways to consume your medicine. Here are some common forms of medical cannabis and how to use them effectively:

  • Nasal spray: Keep your head upright, gently insert the nozzle into your nose, and press the pump down firmly and evenly. Take a deep breath through your nose. After each use, remember to clean the nozzle.
  • Lozenges/troche: Place the lozenge or troche in your mouth and allow it to dissolve slowly.
  • Capsules: Swallow the capsule with water, just like any regular medication.
  • Tinctures: Place the recommended number of drops under your tongue and hold them there for about 60-90 seconds before swallowing. This allows for efficient absorption into your bloodstream.
  • Tincture drops: Place a few drops under your tongue and agitate or swish the product until it fully dissolves. This method ensures optimal absorption.
  • Topicals: Massage a small amount of medical cannabis.
  • into the affected area, whether it’s for muscle aches or skin conditions.

Where Do I Get Medical Cannabis in Georgia?

Registered patients with an active Medical Cannabis Registry Card can purchase medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary or an independent pharmacy licensed by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. 

You must have your physical or electronic Medical Cannabis Registry Card when purchasing medical cannabis. Registered caregivers may also purchase medical cannabis for the patients they assist.

Because dispensary locations can change, check the Commission’s official dispensary map for the most current locations before visiting. The map is updated as licensed dispensaries begin operating.

Independent pharmacies with a medical cannabis license can also dispense qualifying medical cannabis. The Commission provides a link to the Georgia Board of Pharmacy’s license search so patients can verify participating pharmacies.

Key Takeaways

  • The Georgia Department of Public Health manages the Medical Cannabis Registry.
  • Patients and their caregivers can legally possess medical cannabis containing up to 12,000 milligrams of THC.
  • Patients must obtain certification from a cannabis doctor for registry access.
  • The state charges $30 for a medical cannabis registry card, which must be paid within 60 days to avoid cancellation.
  • Authorized Georgia medical cannabis dispensaries sell medical cannabis to eligible patients and caregivers.

Common Questions About Medical Cannabis in Georgia

Do you still have questions about medical cannabis in Georgia? You can find the answer below.

What is the medical cannabis percentage in Georgia?

Georgia no longer applies the former 5% THC cap to medical cannabis. Current law limits medical cannabis products to 1,200 milligrams of THC per package. Registered patients and caregivers can possess up to 12,000 milligrams of THC in total.

Where can I get a medical cannabis card in Georgia?

You can get certified for a medical cannabis registry card by a licensed medical marijuana doctor. Afterward, the Department will send your medical card to your address or a nearby health department location.

Quick Med Cards is the cheapest and easiest way to get your medical cannabis card in Georgia. So, book an appointment with one of our physicians in GA to get started.

Can you get a prescription for THC in Georgia?

The answer is no. In Georgia, cannabis doctors do not prescribe THC. However, if you have a qualifying condition, they can certify you for medical cannabis as a treatment option.

How do I get a medical marijuana card replacement in GA?

There’s no need to worry if you lose your GA medical marijuana card. To replace it, reach out to the Medical Cannabis Unit by sending an email or by giving them a call. (Contact details are in the Patient Resources section).

Once you’ve contacted them, they will check with your certifying physician to verify that you are still under their care. Once confirmed, the unit will issue a replacement card for you.

Can I get a medical card in GA?

You can get a medical card in GA if you are a Georgia resident with a qualifying medical condition. Or if you are a caregiver to a qualifying patient.

What qualifies you for a medical card in Georgia?

To qualify for a Medical Cannabis Registry Card in Georgia, you must be a Georgia resident and have at least one qualifying condition. A fully licensed physician with a principal place of practice in Georgia must certify your condition.

Georgia’s qualifying conditions include:

Does Georgia have dispensaries?

Yes. Georgia has licensed medical cannabis dispensaries where registered patients can purchase qualifying medical cannabis products.

The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission maintains an official map of licensed dispensary locations. Check the map for the most current locations and operating dispensaries before visiting.

Who can be a medical cannabis caregiver in Georgia?

To become a medical cannabis caregiver in Georgia, you must qualify under one of the following categories:

  • You are the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of a patient under 18 with a qualifying condition.
  • You are an adult designated by a patient to help purchase, possess, or administer their medical cannabis.
  • You are a healthcare institution where the patient receives care, and the institution allows medical cannabis use on its premises.

Caregivers can assist registered patients with obtaining and using medical cannabis as allowed by Georgia law.