Full-Service Cannabis Consulting Tailored to Georgia's Unique Market Needs
Catalyst BC offers comprehensive guidance and solutions, customized to help your business thrive in Georgia’s regulated cannabis industry. Contact us today to get started!
About Georgia
Georgia, located in the southeastern U.S., is known for its rich history, southern hospitality, and diverse landscapes, ranging from coastal marshes to the Appalachian Mountains. With a population of over 10 million, Georgia’s largest city, Atlanta, is a major hub for business, technology, and culture.
The state’s economy is robust, driven by industries such as agriculture, film, logistics, and manufacturing. Georgia is a leader in the production of peaches, peanuts, and pecans and has recently emerged as a key player in the film and entertainment sectors.
Legal Status of Cannabis in Georgia
Cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in Georgia. However, medical cannabis was legalized in the state through House Bill 1 in 2015, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to use low-THC cannabis oil (containing no more than 5% THC) for medicinal purposes. Patients must register with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to obtain a medical cannabis card, which allows them to legally possess up to 20 fluid ounces of cannabis oil. The state’s medical cannabis program is tightly regulated, with strict limits on the amount of THC in products and restrictions on the cultivation of cannabis plants. In 2019, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission was established to oversee the licensing of medical cannabis producers, which has been slow in implementation but is expected to grow as the program develops.
While medical cannabis is legal, the state’s law does not allow for the recreational use or retail sale of cannabis, and federal cannabis law still applies in Georgia, making possession of marijuana above the legal limits a criminal offense. Advocates in Georgia continue to push for broader cannabis reform, citing medical benefits and potential economic advantages from legalization. Despite the limited scope of legalization, there is increasing public support for expanding cannabis access in the state, particularly as more research emerges on the potential therapeutic uses of cannabis.
Catalyst BC, in alignment with the state’s efforts, provides Georgia hemp and cannabis cultivators, farmers, businesses, and suppliers extensive seed-to-sale support including licensing and applications, business strategy, financial planning, start-up support and more.
Legal Status of Hemp Farming in Georgia
Hemp farming is legal in Georgia under both state and federal law, following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) regulates the state’s hemp program, which includes guidelines for cultivation, processing, and distribution of hemp. Growers must apply for a license through the GDA and comply with federal standards, including ensuring that hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC. The state has seen rapid growth in hemp farming, particularly for hemp-derived products such as CBD, and farmers are also encouraged to experiment with hemp’s potential in textiles, construction, and other industries.
The hemp program in Georgia has been a key part of the state’s agricultural development in recent years, providing new economic opportunities for farmers and businesses. The state has made efforts to create a comprehensive framework for hemp cultivation, which includes testing for THC content, registration of hemp products, and ensuring quality standards are met. Additionally, Georgia’s favorable climate and established agricultural infrastructure make it a prime location for hemp cultivation. However, challenges such as regulatory compliance, supply chain issues, and market fluctuations continue to pose difficulties for farmers entering the hemp industry. Catalyst BC offers expert consulting to growers and farmers entering the Georgia market to overcome these challenges.
Navigating the Complexities of Operating a Cannabis or Hemp Business in Georgia
Georgia’s cannabis and hemp industries are still evolving, and navigating them requires expertise in both state and federal regulations.
Catalyst BC offers comprehensive consulting services to help Georgia based businesses enter and grow in these markets. Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss Business Strategy, Financial Planning, Licensing & Applications, Facility Design, Startup Support, Operational Optimization, Genetic Development, and Cannabis Business Turnaround and achieve success operating in Georgia’s highly regulated market.
Free eBook: Starting A Legal Cannabis Business
Discover the secrets to building a thriving cannabis business with our free eBook, Starting a Legal Cannabis Business: From Formation to Acquisition! This comprehensive guide walks you through every stage of launching and scaling a cannabis business, from navigating regulations and securing licenses to optimizing operations and planning your exit strategy. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an experienced operator, this resource is packed with expert insights to help you succeed in this dynamic industry. Download your free copy today and take the first step toward cannabis business success!
Other Services
Business Strategy
Collaborative efforts to create a personalized and comprehensive business and operational plans tailored to your market, resources, and vision.
Financial Planning
Strategy and creation of a bespoke financial model based on historical inputs specific to selected corporate structure, facilities, and market conditions.
Licensing & Applications
Catalyst has secured over 57 licenses in merit-based and highly competitive application and RFP processes with a win rate of nearly 96%
Facility Design
Design-assist aligns designs and calculations with proven methods, equipment, and systems successfully used in world-class facilities.
Startup Support
Proven expertise and track record of supporting licensed and conditionally licensed businesses from build-out to operational excellence.
Genetic Development
Design and implement propagation and breeding programs that produce unique and proprietary cultivars that maximize productivity and profitability.
Business Turnaround
Our team brings over 60 years of regulated cannabis industry experience, expertly assessing situations, crafting strategies, and achieving client goals.
Operational Optimization
Catalyst's team of experts provides guidance and support for all types of cannabis business, including cultivation, retail, extraction, distribution, and delivery
Contact Us
Enough about us. We want to hear more about you, your project, and your vision! Get in touch with a real live person today. Don’t worry, we don’t have a long, confusing phone menu, and your email isn’t going to the abyss, we promise. At Catalyst, we provide the service and support we’d want to experience ourselves!