In a groundbreaking move, Georgia is gearing up to allow the sale of medical cannabis in local pharmacies. This initiative, expected to roll out by the end of the year, will make Georgia the first US state to offer such products in standard pharmacies.
Gary Long, CEO of medical cannabis company Botanical Sciences, has been working diligently to dispel misconceptions surrounding this initiative. Contrary to some beliefs, pharmacies won’t be selling recreational cannabis products. Instead, they’ll offer low-dose THC products to individuals who fit within Georgia’s stringent medical cannabis criteria.
The Georgia Board of Pharmacy is currently reviewing applications from pharmacies eager to sell these low-dose THC products. As per Georgia’s regulations, the THC content in these products can’t exceed 5%. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the component in cannabis responsible for the “high” sensation and is often recommended by physicians to alleviate pain, insomnia, nausea, and other conditions.
While national chains like CVS and Walmart won’t be stocking THC products in Georgia, over 130 local pharmacies have committed to selling products from Botanical Sciences. This move ensures that a vast majority of Georgians will be within a 30-minute drive of a pharmacy offering these products.
Other states, such as Connecticut, mandate a pharmacist’s presence at dispensaries, but the products aren’t sold in regular pharmacies. A few states have laws permitting pharmacy sales of cannabis products, but they haven’t been implemented yet.
Georgia’s decision to make medical cannabis widely accessible has surprised many, given its traditionally conservative stance. The state’s approach has garnered attention from other states keen on replicating the model. In places where recreational cannabis use is permitted, low THC products sometimes become scarce, as cannabis flowers turn out to be the most profitable.
While Georgia’s initiative is a step forward, some believe the state’s medical cannabis law remains restrictive. Currently, Georgia limits access to medical cannabis to patients with 16 specific diseases, including Alzheimer’s, certain cancer stages, PTSD, sickle cell, and Crohn’s.
Despite the limitations, the move is seen as a significant stride in enhancing patient access to medical cannabis. The initiative has been warmly received by many patients, who express their gratitude for making such products more accessible.