Georgia Lawmakers Conclude Hearings on Bill to Expand Medical Marijuana Program

The committee, which consists of 13 members including eight lawmakers and members of the Department of Agriculture, has been meeting since July. Today’s hearing was the committee’s fourth and final. During the hearing, the committee discussed changes introduced in Senate Bill 220, which stalled earlier this year but is expected to be revived in the 2026 session that begins in January. The legislation would allow medical cannabis to be vaped and sold as gummies and soda (currently it’s only allowed in oil and tincture form), it would raise the THC cap from 5% to 50%, and it would remove the requirement for patients to have an “end-stage” disease. Lawmakers formed the committee in order to collect testimony from physicians, patients and industry observers before moving forward.

At the final hearing, a mix of supporters and opponents spoke before the committee. Some argued that the changes would have a huge impact on thousands of patients across the state who are suffering from ailments like cancer and insomnia, with some calling the current law untenable and overly restrictive. Those opposed to the move argued that the 50% cap is too high and should instead be set at 10% or remain at 5%.

Now that the committee has concluded its hearings, lawmakers are expected to revisit Senate Bill 220 when the legislative session begins in January, weighing testimony from both doctors and patients as they decide whether to raise the THC cap and allow vaping as part of Georgia’s medical marijuana program.

You can view the committee’s full final hearing on SB 220 by clicking here.