Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Georgia Statewide Rule

Georgia Low-THC Oil Dispensaries Limited to State Licensees

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Georgia (2026)

Key Facts

Licensor
GA Access to Medical Cannabis Comm.
Product
Low-THC oil only
Recreational sales
Prohibited
Local zoning
May add setbacks
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Georgia restricts cannabis-related retail sales to state-licensed independent pharmacies and dispensary locations approved by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, with caps on the number of statewide licenses.

The commission shall be authorized to issue five dispensing licenses to each Class 1 production licensee and each Class 2 production licensee for retail outlets to dispense medical cannabis and products to registered patients. The commission shall ensure that dispensing licenses shall be issued so that retail outlets are dispersed throughout the state. The commission shall develop rules and regulations regarding retail dispensing licensees in this state in accordance with the requirements contained in subsection (b) of this Code section. The commission shall be authorized to issue one additional dispensing license to each Class 1 and Class 2 production licensee when the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry established and maintained pursuant to Code Section 31-2A-18 reaches 25,000 patients and for every increase of 10,000 patients thereafter.

Full Breakdown

Under O.C.G.A. Title 16, Chapter 12, Article 6 (the Georgia Hope Act), only producers and dispensaries licensed by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission may sell low-THC oil to registered patients. Independent pharmacies may also dispense once registered with the State Board of Pharmacy. Recreational dispensaries are not legal anywhere in Georgia. Local governments retain zoning authority over the siting of state-licensed dispensaries (such as setbacks from schools) but cannot authorize unlicensed retailers or recreational sales.

Violations & Penalties

Selling cannabis or THC products outside the state-licensed system is a felony under O.C.G.A. 16-13-30, with prison sentences and forfeiture of inventory and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Georgia city license its own cannabis dispensary?
No. Only the state may issue dispensary or producer licenses for low-THC oil. Cities can apply zoning conditions like setbacks but cannot create their own license.
Are hemp or CBD shops the same as cannabis dispensaries in Georgia?
No. Federally legal hemp-derived products are sold under separate state hemp rules. Marijuana-derived low-THC oil for patients comes only from state-licensed dispensaries.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.