Thousands of Georgians may now have easier access to medical cannabis under a new state law that took effect July 1, marking the largest expansion of Georgia’s medical cannabis program since it was created.

Senate Bill 220, known as the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” broadens the list of qualifying medical conditions, replaces references to “low THC oil” with “medical cannabis,” and allows adults age 21 and older to use approved medical cannabis through vaporization. Smoking cannabis remains illegal under Georgia law.

The legislation also changes how patients may legally possess medical cannabis. Instead of the previous limit based on fluid ounces and THC percentage, registered patients may now possess products containing a cumulative total of up to 12,000 milligrams of THC, provided the products are sold in properly labeled pharmaceutical containers.

The law expands eligibility by adding lupus as a qualifying condition and broadening eligibility for several existing conditions, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Tourette syndrome, and sickle cell disease. In many cases, patients no longer have to demonstrate their condition is “severe” or “end-stage” to qualify.

Another significant change allows Georgia’s independent pharmacies to dispense medical cannabis, greatly increasing access for patients across the state. Supporters say the new law removes barriers that have long limited participation in Georgia’s medical cannabis program while maintaining the state’s prohibition on recreational marijuana.