There’s no doubt about it: Marijuana is here to stay.

In the United States, 15 states have already legalized recreational weed. Weed laws are constantly shifting with new information that’s easy to miss.

Not only is there medical marijuana, but there’s recreational marijuana as well. And where does CBD come into all of this?

There may not be time to dive deep into every state, but let’s focus on one of the most recognizable southern states: Georgia.

Is weed legal in Georgia? Read on to find out.

Weed Laws in Georgia

Recreational weed in Georgia is illegal, and medical marijuana laws are strict.

Georgia is the 8th most populous state in America and generally considered to have conservative ideals — at least in the more rural areas. You can see the conservatism reflected in the laws surrounding cannabis.

The possession, sale, and trafficking of weed is illegal. Possession of less than one ounce is a misdemeanor, but anything more and it’s a felony. Compare this to states like New York, where they decriminalized possession of weed 25g and under.

As far as medical marijuana goes, it gets a little trickier.

In 2015, Georgia passed the Haleigh’s Hope Act, which allows eligible Georgia patients to have cannabis oil with a low percentage of THC. This allows for no more than five percent THC and at least an equal amount of CBD.

This is the main medical marijuana law in Georgia, and it’s a lot more limited than the majority of other states. You have to have a severe qualifying condition to be considered for medical marijuana treatment. This includes conditions like Crohn’s Disease or seizures.

Due to the growing population of certain cities in Georgia, attitudes surrounding weed laws are shifting. More people are beginning to embrace weed legalization.

CBD is legal in all 50 states, and you can find it in almost anything edible. Georgia is, again, more limited. It is illegal to put CBD in anything resembling a dietary supplement.

This is a very strict regulation as well. For the most part, CBD has a very good reputation. At least 33% of American adults have tried CBD, and 22% said it helped them replace prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Although the details of the weed laws can be confusing, fear not! There are several resources on the specific marijuana statutes to keep you informed.

Finding Weed in Atlanta

It’s no surprise that the capital of Georgia also has the largest population. Atlanta is one of the more progressive pockets located in Georgia.

Unfortunately, since weed is illegal and there are limitations on medical marijuana, finding weed is tough. There are no official dispensaries that stock and sell medical marijuana in Georgia.

To find weed in Georgia, you’re going to have to go through the black market or find it illegally. Even in the case of cannabis oil, the law only protects from prosecution if a qualified patient possesses a legal amount. For this reason, it is difficult to locate any sort of marijuana in Georgia.

Before you ask: Yes, cultivating your own marijuana is illegal as well. The strict laws will make it very challenging to grow your own garden, so proceed with caution. There are no specific laws for growing small amounts of weed in Georgia.

State laws on growing marijuana refer to operations yielding up to 10 pounds.

With that said, it’s important to emphasize that this a state with strict marijuana laws. With these restrictions in mind, it’s best to play it safe. Remember to look over the laws in detail before risking anything.

If you do find yourself facing a marijuana charge, it’s wise to seek legal counsel. There are many attorneys available that will review your particular situation and help you find the best legal defense strategy.

Georgia’s Weed Future

Medical marijuana is still at its infantile stage, so there is a lot of progress to be made. Despite the strict laws, the fact that Haleigh’s Hope Act exists shows a hopeful future. That is the first step.

If the rapid changes of weed laws in other states are any indicator, then there’s a good chance that Georgia will follow in those footsteps. Legalizing medical marijuana and opening dispensaries prove a positive effect. Not only does it benefit the user, but it also allows the state to grow economically through taxes.

It’s no wonder that so many states are turning toward weed legalization. The future of weed in America seems to be clear: Medical and recreational weed will catch on. It’s only a matter of time before recreational and medical marijuana is fully legal in the U.S.

This issue goes beyond the conversation about weed laws in Georgia. This is also about criminal justice reform efforts. Many conversations from social justice groups say that the effects of keeping weed illegal are negative.

Legalizing medical marijuana and recreational marijuana is not only beneficial for Georgia as a state, but also for its residents. As the tides shift for Georgia and the future of its weed laws, it’s good to stay informed with the latest news.

Is Weed Legal in Georgia?

Weed laws in Georgia are strict. Recreational weed is illegal and has harsh consequences. Medical marijuana is legal, but it’s limited and difficult to find since there are no dispensaries.

So, is weed legal in Georgia? The answer is no. But despite the setbacks, it’s easy to see a future in which Georgia loosens the restrictions for marijuana usage.

If you want to read more about all things weed, check out our blog.