Georgia’s first two medical cannabis dispensaries located in Macon and Marietta have opened their doors, providing an alternative to traditional medication for those suffering from qualifying medical conditions. These dispensaries are a welcome addition to the state, as they offer access to a safe and reliable source of medical cannabis. In this article, we will discuss the details of the dispensaries and what they mean for patients in Georgia. We will also explore some of the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis and explain how a dispensary can help improve access to this important medicine. Finally, we will look at some of the safety measures that have been put in place at these dispensaries in order to ensure that patients are provided with quality products.
“Trulieve is humbled and proud to be the first medical dispensary in Georgia to serve the state’s 27,000+ registered patients with the medicine they need.”
Statement from Trulieve on opening Georgia
What criteria must a patient in Georgia meet to be eligible for medical cannabis treatment?
Georgia’s medical marijuana program is designed to help those who suffer from certain qualifying conditions. In order to be eligible for a low-THC medical cannabis card in Georgia, patients must have one of the approved qualifying conditions. Under the law, it is the patient’s physician who will be applying for the patient’s medical cannabis card, the cost of this credential being only $25. With a valid medical access card, patients can obtain the medicine they need to treat their conditions, and to improve their quality of life.
Full List of Qualifying Conditions
- Cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage
- Seizure disorders related to the diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma related head injuries
- Multiple sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage
- Crohn’s disease
- Mitochondrial disease
- Parkinson’s disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage
- Sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end-stage
- Tourette’s syndrome, when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe
- Autism spectrum disorder, when (a) patient is 18 years of age or more, or (b) patient is less than 18 years of age and diagnosed with severe autism
- Epidermolysis bullosa
- Alzheimer’s disease, when such disease is severe or end-stage
- AIDS when such syndrome is severe or end-stage
- Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe or end-stage
- Patient is in hospice program, either as inpatient or outpatient
- Intractable pain
- Post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing of a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years of age
What Are the Different Types of Products Available at Georgia’s First Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?
Three types of medical cannabis products will be available in a variety of flavors. Oral (Pills), Sublingual (Tincture), and Topical (Lotion). Georgia’s medical cannabis law does not allow for infusion of edible products, or inhalation by vaporization.
Trulieve’s products currently available in Georgia
- Sublingual products:
- Momenta Tincture 300 mg 1:20 (CBD:THC) – watermelon mint (Indica)
- Momenta tincture 300 mg (1:20 THC) – Lemon ginger (hybrid)
- Momenta tincture 300 mg1:30 (CBD:THC) – green apple (sativa)
- Momenta tincture 300 mg 1:1 (CBD: THC) – Lemon Ginger (hybrid)
- Momenta Tincture Drops 20 MG 1:20 (CBD:THC) – Menthol Eucalyptus (indica)
- Momenta Tincture Drops 20 MG 1:20 (CBD: THC) – Menthol Eucalyptus (sativa)
- Momenta Tincture Drops 20 MG 1:30 (CBD:THC) – Menthol Eucalyptus (hybrid)
- Topical products:
- Oral:
What are the Benefits of Using Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis has become a popular alternative to traditional medicine for many people. Cannabis is known for its ability to provide relief from pain and symptoms associated with a variety of medical conditions without contributing to side-effects and complications which traditional medicine is all too often known for. For those who are interested in using medical cannabis, the best way to access it is through licensed dispensaries like the two Trulieve locations finally available in the state of Georgia. By ensuring your product is purchased at a regulated location, you can minimize the potential of being exposed to dangerous adulterants like mold and pesticides.
Trulieve is transparent with their safety procedures, and title their system of product evaluation “Cannapprove®”. Patients can enter a batch number on that webpage to view the lab results of products they’ve purchased at any Trulieve location. This testing, and the resulting peace of mind, is a luxury not readily afforded by the elicit underground market. It’s a process which serves to keep patients safe and less likely to experience harmful side effects.
What’s Next for Georgia?
Trulieve will be opening three new locations in Georgia during the following weeks. Columbus, Nunan, and Pooler will each be receiving a Trulieve location, broadening the scope of patients that can be served under this new law. What do you think about Georgia’s new medical cannabis dispensaries? Have you recently visited a Trulieve location? Let us know in the comments section down below.
Can the pharmacist prescribe? Or, may my neurologist? If so, do you have a list of prescribing neurologists? Thanks!
These are great questions! I think any doctor should be able to, but most likely will have to have specialized training to learn the facets of prescribing. Check the links to the law on your state governments website included in this article, there you may be able to find out if there are any special requirements.