History
How Georgia got here
The major turns in cannabis law affecting Georgia, from the first federal ban to today. Each entry links to its source.
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1937Federal
Congress passes the Marihuana Tax Act
A federal tax scheme that effectively bans cannabis nationwide.
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1970Federal
Marijuana becomes a Schedule I drug
The federal Controlled Substances Act puts cannabis in the strictest category, with no accepted medical use.
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1980Georgia
Georgia's first medical marijuana law
The legislature creates a research program for cancer and glaucoma patients. It never supplied a single patient.
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2015Georgia
Haleigh's Hope Act
Registered patients may possess up to 20 oz of low-THC oil (5% THC max), but there's still no legal way to buy it.
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2017Local
Atlanta decriminalizes small amounts
Possession of an ounce or less becomes a city offense with a $75 fine and no jail. State law is unchanged.
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2018Federal
The Farm Bill legalizes hemp
Hemp and hemp-derived CBD come off the federal controlled substances list.
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2019Georgia
In-state production and hemp farming
Georgia's Hope Act licenses in-state growers and dispensaries for low-THC oil. The Georgia Hemp Farming Act follows weeks later.
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2022Georgia
Voters weigh in
80% of Democratic primary voters back legalization in a non-binding advisory question.
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2023Georgia
First legal sales
Licensed dispensaries open in the spring. In October, Georgia becomes the first state to sell medical cannabis through independent pharmacies.
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2026Federal
Federal rescheduling
State-licensed medical marijuana moves to Schedule III.
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2026Georgia
SB 220: the biggest expansion yet
Signed May 12, in effect July 1: the 5% THC cap is removed, vaporization is allowed for patients 21+, and more conditions qualify.
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2026Georgia
A new political map
The November election brings a Democratic governor and state House. The state Senate stays Republican.
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2027What's next
The 2027 legislative session
Lawmakers return in January. We'll add every cannabis bill to the law tracker as it's filed.
Open the law tracker →
Last verified Nov 7, 2026 · Sources