Georgia Senate Passes Bill to Drastically Increase Allowable THC in Medical Marijuana, Authorize Vaping
- The Senate passed Senate Bill 220 with bipartisan support to increase the allowable concentration of THC in medical marijuana by tenfold and allow the use of vaping devices for faster relief.
- Georgia's medical marijuana program, serving around 26,000 patients, may expand to include conditions like lupus and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Proponents argue that the current low-THC oil is inadequate for many patients, pushing some to seek illegal alternatives.
- House Bill 220 now heads back to the House for a final vote before being sent to Governor Brian Kemp for approval.
The Senate passed Senate Bill 220 today with a 39 to 17 vote, garnering bipartisan support. Sponsored by Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan), the bill would increase the allowable concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in medical marijuana by tenfold. Additionally, it allows patients to use vaping devices for faster relief during severe health episodes, such as epileptic seizures.
Established in 2019, Georgia’s medical marijuana program currently serves approximately 26,000 patients diagnosed with conditions like cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and AIDS. House Bill 220 would expand this list to include lupus and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially offering relief to a broader patient population. Proponents argue that the current low-THC oil is insufficient for many patients, leading some to seek more potent, illegal alternatives. Senator Carden Summers (R-Cordele) emphasized the state’s commitment, stating, “We promised the people of Georgia that we were going to supply them with a quality, medical-grade marijuana program.”
With Senate approval secured, House Bill 220 now returns to the House for a final vote before being sent to Governor Brian Kemp.