MACON, Ga. — Georgia is taking a major step toward broadening its restrictive medical cannabis program. On Thursday, lawmakers will meet at Mercer University to review proposals that could open medical marijuana access to thousands of Georgians suffering from chronic conditions rather than limiting it only to terminal patients.
The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Medical Marijuana and Hemp Policies will hear public testimony and discuss legislation that stalled in the last session. According to Rep. Robert Dickey, District 145, the proposed change removes the “end of life” requirement and would allow more patients to qualify for medical marijuana treatment.
Georgia’s current HOPE Act only allows medical marijuana products for patients with terminal conditions and requires prescriptions from licensed physicians. The program also restricts products to non-smokable forms like tinctures, edibles and topical lotions purchased from state-licensed dispensaries.
Families affected by autism were among the first to push for expansion. Dickey cited former Rep. Allen Peake’s work with children whose severe autism symptoms improved with medical marijuana products. “That is the impetus of this bill,” Dickey said, noting the potential for many other uses.
Despite strict oversight of the state program, hemp-derived CBD products are sold widely in smoke shops with little regulation. Dickey explained, “On the medical marijuana side it’s very regulated, but smoke shops are like the wild west.” He emphasized the need to find a middle ground.
General Manager Will Kacheris showcased a 118,000-square-foot facility with room for thousands of plants and advanced equipment to distill high-THC oil. He said state law prohibits smokable flower products, so their current medical marijuana offerings focus on edibles, tinctures, and soft drops.
Kacheris expressed confidence that Georgia will eventually mirror other states in expanding medical marijuana access. He pointed to patient demand and potential tax revenue as driving forces. “We’ve seen in state after state that once citizens experience the benefits of medical marijuana products, legislators realize expansion is in patients’ best interest,” Kacheris said.
The study committee will continue gathering testimony statewide before making recommendations for the 2026 legislative session. Thursday’s meeting begins at 10 a.m. in the President’s Dining Room at Mercer University, and the public is invited to attend or watch online. With momentum building, many believe Georgia is on the verge of a significant shift in its medical marijuana policy.
