Georgia Medical Marijuana License

Medical Georgia Cannabis License

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Medical Georgia Cannabis License

In 2015, Georgia approved Haleigh’s Hope Act – a highly restrictive medical cannabis bill that permits patients with approved serious medical conditions to use medicinal cannabis. However, the medical cannabis bill only allows patients to use cannabis oil with a maximum of five percent THC, and it does not permit buying, selling, or transporting the oil. In 2019, Georgia’s General Assembly passed legislation that legalized licensed cannabis cultivation in Georgia and the conversion of the leaf into cannabis oil and the retail sale to eligible patients. A recent decision by the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission will propel Georgia’s medical cannabis industry forward.

On Nov. 23, 2020, the Commission voted to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) that opens up the licensing process for businesses seeking to cultivate and manufacture low-THC cannabis oil. The state will issue six total production licenses – two “Class 1” licenses and four “Class 2” licenses for indoor cultivation and manufacturing. Class 1 licenses are permitted to operate in up to 100,000 square feet of space, whereas Class 2 licensees will be limited to 50,000 square feet. Deadlines are fast approaching as applicants have until Dec. 28 at 2 PM EST to apply.

Class 1 applications require a $25,000 non-refundable application fee along with a $200,000 licensing fee and a $100,00 annual renewal fee. Class 2 applications require a $5,000 non-refundable application fee, along with an initial $100,000 licensing fee and a $50,000 annual renewal fee. In addition to application fees, applications must have a large cash bond payable to Georgia or an irrevocable line of credit issued within 30 days of licensure. For Class 1 licenses, the amount is $1.5 million, and for Class 2 licenses, the amount is $625,000. Once licensed, a business will have one year to become operational or their license can be revoked. Applications and information about the application process can be found on the GA Access to Medical Cannabis Commission website.

Although Georgia’s medical cannabis program has taken a long time to develop and only has 14,000 registered patients, the application and licensing process is expected to be highly competitive and nuanced. Many entrepreneurs expect Georgia’s medical cannabis program to mature and become more progressive over time, eventually leading to a recreational cannabis market. The early bird gets the worm. Should this scenario play out, early licensees will likely have a significant competitive advantage in being first to market in a brand-new and highly lucrative industry.

Licenses are expected to be issued by March 2021. Once businesses are licensed to operate, it can take up to six months or longer before oil may become accessible to patients. Applications for dispensary licenses are not yet available. The long-term future of cannabis in Georgia remains hazy; however, the immediate future is prosperous. The Dec. 28 deadline is approaching quickly! It’s not too late. If you need last-minute support, subject matter expertise, facility design, board representation, or other assistance with the application process, contact us today!

Andy is an Operations Advisor at Catalyst BC.   

Additional Resources

Consulting Services For Cannabis, Hemp, Psilocybin, and Natural Medicine

Testimonials and Public Relations

Latest Articles

  • Nevada Cannabis Lounge License Guide: What You Need to Know
    Nevada has enthusiastically embraced consumption lounges. In 2021, Governor Sisolak signed AB 341 authorizing the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) to license cannabis consumption lounges. After extensive stakeholder work, the CCB approved final regulations in late 2023. Lounges are split into two types: Retail Lounges (operated by licensed dispensaries or microbusinesses) and Independent Lounges (standalone sites).
  • Are Missouri Cannabis Lounges Legal? Here’s What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
    Missouri’s adult-use legalization (Amendment 3, 2022) did not establish any state license for cannabis lounges. Consequently, there is no state-regulated consumption lounge for recreational cannabis at this time. Instead, an underground network of private, membership-only clubs has emerged.
  • Hosting a Minnesota Cannabis Lounge Event: Tips For Success
    Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis law (2023) does not create a permanent lounge license, but it allows temporary consumption events via a Cannabis Event Organizer license for up to four-day events (like festivals) where licensed retailers can sell cannabis and patrons may consume on-site. A licensed event organizer must obtain local approval and permits for each event.
  • Michigan Consumption Lounge Licenses: What You Need to Know
    Michigan law explicitly recognizes and licenses cannabis “Designated Consumption Establishments.” These are commercial venues where adults 21+ can legally consume cannabis products on-site. The Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) issues Consumption Lounge Licenses to qualified entities. Pursuant to state rules (MRTMA and R 420.21(3)), any person or business that allows on-site cannabis use in exchange for a fee or membership must hold this license.
  • Massachusetts Cannabis Lounge Licensing Preparation Guide
    Launching a cannabis lounge in Massachusetts requires more than just a great idea—it involves navigating a complex regulatory system at both the municipal and state levels. With the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) finalizing rules in 2025, now is the time to get prepared. Whether you’re an existing license holder or a new hospitality operator, understanding the specific steps involved will set you up for success.
  • Maryland Cannabis Lounge Laws: What’s Coming and How to Prepare
    Maryland’s adult-use cannabis law (July 2023) authorizes on-site consumption lounges, but the regulations are still developing. The 2023 Cannabis Reform Act created “On-Site Consumption Lounge” licenses, akin to food-service venues, where cannabis can be consumed on premises. However, the Legislature has directed the Cannabis Administration (MCA) to delay issuing these licenses until local zoning is ready and the new rules are promulgated.

Explore Our Articles

Business Strategy cannabis applications Cannabis Bar Cannabis Business Optmization Cannabis Business Services cannabis careers Cannabis Compliance Cannabis Consumption Cannabis Consumption Bar Cannabis Inventory Management Systems cannabis jobs Cannabis Legalization cannabis licensing Cannabis Lounge cannabis marketing Cannabis Operational Procedures cannabis outreach Cannabis Regulations Cannabis Security Cannabis Software Cannabis Startup Cannabis Suppliers Cannabis Supply Chain Cannabis Technology Colorado controlled environment agriculture Cultivation cultivation facility Dispensary Design facility design Financial Planning Legal Update Legislation Medical Cannabis Minnesota Natural Medicine Nebraska New York Odor Control Oregon Psilocybin Psychedelics Recreational Cannabis Solventless Extraction Tribal Cannabis Licensing