Regulated Industries committee approves substitute to expand Georgia medical cannabis program

The Regulated Industries committee approved a substitute to Senate Bill 220 on a voice vote after a daylong discussion that touched on dosage measurement, patient access, provider oversight and public‑use limits.

Dr. Newton, who presented the substitute developed by the Speaker's Blue Ribbon Study Committee, told members the bill replaces the label "low THC oil" with the more medically precise "medical cannabis," allows additional delivery methods beyond oil (including regulated vaporization), and shifts dosing from percentage measures to milligrams to improve clinical precision. "What we're looking at is how many milligrams are being delivered to the patient," Dr. Newton said, arguing milligrams are a clearer way for physicians to recommend and monitor dosing.

The substitute would lower the total amount a registered patient may possess compared with current law: instead of the roughly 28,000 milligram maximum allowed previously, the bill sets per‑package limits of up to 1,200 milligrams and a possession cap equivalent to 10 such packages (12,000 milligrams). Dr. Newton said that reduction still allows therapeutic dosing for severe conditions while addressing diversion risks.

The draft also includes a requirement that certifying physicians have their principal place of practice in Georgia so patients and the Department of Public Health (DPH) can contact them about treatment and card issuance. "If you happen to be in a group that has bad side effects and you can't get to that doctor, then we don't think that's doing you the justice the patient deserves," Dr. Newton said.

Lawmakers pressed the sponsor on potency, delivery systems and how milligram limits translate across products. Representative Carpenter asked whether concentrated vape pens and cartridges would be limited by the milligram caps; Dr. Newton and a physician testifying said milligrams should govern regardless of formulation, but acknowledged more industry‑level detail and training for doctors will be needed as the market evolves.

The committee also debated a provision (line 4‑07 in the substitute) that would bar vaping or other public administration of medical cannabis "in any manner in any public place." Representative Jackson moved to strike that sentence entirely; the sponsor proposed narrower language that would prohibit only vaporization in public places. Members split on the amendment, with some arguing the blanket ban could prevent someone experiencing a medical crisis from taking a required dose in a public place and others citing concerns about secondhand vapor and program perception. The committee rejected the motion to strike the sentence and retained the public‑use restriction as drafted, while the sponsor signaled willingness to refine the language toward a vaporization‑focused prohibition in later drafting.

Several patients, physicians and advocates gave one‑minute testimonials during the hearing. Terry Hoard, who identified herself as living with progressive multiple sclerosis, urged faster DPH card issuance and emphasized the need for medical‑grade products under physician supervision. A physician who treats veterans described benefits for insomnia and anxiety, and urged removing onerous notarization requirements for caregivers. Opponents and cautious voices — including a public affairs representative for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and another witness citing peer‑reviewed studies — urged restraint and more scientific evidence before broad expansion.

Representative McDonough moved to pass the substitute; Representative Ridley seconded. The committee approved the substitute by voice vote and the bill was advanced from committee.

What happens next: The substitute approved by the committee will proceed to the next step in the House process (committee report and placement on a calendar). The bill text cited in the hearing was the House substitute LC 33‑98‑65S; details in committee debate indicate members may consider follow‑up amendments on dosing limits, vaporization and reporting mechanisms."