SB 220 Explained: What Changed for Georgia Patients in 2026

On July 1, 2026, Georgia's medical cannabis program changed more in a single day than it had in the previous decade. The law behind it: SB 220, the Putting Georgia's Patients First Act. Here's what it means for you, in plain English.

What Is SB 220?

SB 220 is the most significant expansion of Georgia's medical cannabis law since the program began. It modernized possession limits, product access, and the registry itself — bringing Georgia's program closer to what patients actually need.

What Changed on July 1, 2026

Higher possession limits. Registered patients can now legally possess up to 12,000 milligrams of THC — a major increase that reflects real-world dosing.

More product types. The program now includes real flower and vapes at licensed dispensaries, alongside the low-THC oils the program started with.

The registry got a new name. Georgia renamed the program the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry (previously the Low THC Oil Registry).

Cards last longer. Registry cards are now valid for five years (previously shorter terms), though the state still requires an annual physician certification to keep your registration active.

Physician requirements clarified. Certifying physicians must be fully licensed in Georgia with a principal place of practice in the state.

What Didn't Change

• You still need a physician certification — it's the only legal pathway into the program.
• You still must be a Georgia resident with a qualifying condition.
• The state card fee is still $30 (plus $3.75 portal fee).
• Cannabis remains restricted to registered patients — Georgia has not legalized recreational use.

Why This Matters

Before SB 220, Georgia had one of the most restrictive programs in the country — low limits, limited products, and a registry that confused patients. The new law doesn't make Georgia California, but it makes the program functional for the patients it was designed to serve.

The Doctor Who Helped Write It

Dr. Rasean Hodge, MD, contributed to Georgia's medical cannabis legislation — including the bills that built the foundation SB 220 now stands on. When you sit down with him, you're talking to a source, not a stranger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to re-register under SB 220? If you're already in the registry, DPH handles the transition. New patients register under the current rules.

Does SB 220 change qualifying conditions? The law works with Georgia's established list of 19 qualifying conditions. If you're unsure whether yours fits, the free consultation answers that.

Where can I read the actual law? The Georgia Department of Public Health publishes program guidance at dph.georgia.gov. For questions about the registry itself, call (770) 909-2765.

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Dr. Rasean Hodge, MD, helped author Georgia's medical cannabis legislation and sees patients in Atlanta. Pre-register for a free consultation.