Bill
Bill > HB440
summary
Introduced
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend various provisions of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, so as to rename low THC oil as medical cannabis; to amend Chapter 12 of Title 16, Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16, and Article 1 of Chapter 2A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to offenses against the public health and morals, regulation of controlled substances, and general provisions relative to the Department of Public Health, respectively, so as to clarify and revise criminal penalties; to clarify and revise exemptions to criminal penalties; to clarify provisions relating to the minimum distance licensees must be from covered entities; to revise provisions relating to the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission; to repeal the prohibition on certain manners of ingesting medical cannabis; to exclude the lawful possession and control of medical cannabis from the provisions of the Georgia Controlled Substances Act; to revise the list of diagnosed conditions for which a medical cannabis registration card can be issued; to provide for conforming changes; to revise and provide for definitions; to provide a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Providing Effective Access to Cannabis for Health (PEACH) Act, comprehensively updates Georgia's medical cannabis regulations by replacing the term "low THC oil" with "medical cannabis" across multiple sections of state law. The bill expands the list of qualifying medical conditions for which patients can receive a medical cannabis registration card, including adding lupus and broadening criteria to include conditions where opioids could be prescribed or where a physician determines potential therapeutic benefits. It modifies possession limits from 20 fluid ounces to 2.5 ounces and adjusts criminal penalties accordingly, reducing potential prison sentences and fines for possession outside of authorized parameters. The legislation also expands the definition of caregivers to include not just parents and guardians of minors, but also designated adults who can assist patients and even healthcare institutions where patients are receiving care. Additionally, the bill removes previous restrictions on ingestion methods for medical cannabis, clarifies licensing and production regulations, and provides more flexibility for medical cannabis research and patient access. The bill aims to streamline medical cannabis regulations, provide clearer guidelines for patients and healthcare providers, and potentially increase accessibility for patients with various medical conditions.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (6)
Kasey Carpenter (R)*,
David Clark (R)*,
Karen Mathiak (R)*,
Alan Powell (R)*,
Brian Prince (D)*,
Bill Werkheiser (R)*,
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70312 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/232411 |
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