The state of Georgia is now accepting applications for medical cannabis-related production licenses.
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission opened up on November 23 for businesses looking to create low-THC medical cannabis oil. “I do think this is the first step in a really great economic development opportunity with an emphasis on Georgia business and small business development,” said the commission’s Executive Director, Andrew Turnage. “The commission works very hard to keep this process moving forward every single day.”
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this includes two license types: Class 1 and Class 2, which are provided based on facility size (50,000 square feet and 100,000 square feet, respectively). The allowance for THC potency is capped at a maximum of five percent, and to start, only six companies will receive licenses. Two Class 1 and four Class 2 licenses will be awarded to contending businesses. Potential licensees have until December 28 to apply, with the hope that the commission will be able to make a final decision on who gets a license by March 2021. In reality however, it could take up to one year or longer for legal medical cannabis oil to become available to patients.
Requirements to obtain a license includes having round-the-clock surveillance and security, as well as the use of keycards that allow access for both employees and visitors. A seed-to-sale tracking system is also a must-have.
Medical cannabis was first legalized in Georgia in 2015, but originally cannabis sales were not yet permitted. Following the state legislature passing a cannabis production and sale bill in 2019, the commission was established to further manage and push medical cannabis forward. “Instead of crossing state lines, breaking numerous laws in the process, these families can now stay in our great state,” Governor Brian Kemp said after approving the bill last year. “We are ensuring that these families can purchase what works for their loved ones without creating a slippery slope.”
