Historic Milestone: Georgia Becomes First State to Allow Medical Cannabis Sales in Hundreds of Pharmacies

Nov 3, 2023 | Education, News

In a groundbreaking development, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy has opened its doors to applications from nearly 120 pharmacies looking to provide medical marijuana products. This historic move makes Georgia the first state in the nation to permit the sale of low-dose cannabis within independent drug stores.

The implementation of the pharmacy rule, which extends medical marijuana sales to drug stores, promises to significantly enhance patient access. Up until now, the state has been served by only seven dispensaries, leaving patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, seizures, terminal cancers, and PTSD with limited options.

The exclusive suppliers for these pharmacies will be the state’s only two licensed cannabis producers: Botanical Sciences LLC and Trulieve Cannabis Corp. These two companies were the first to receive approval earlier this year to cater to registered medical cannabis patients in Georgia.

Gary Long, CEO of Botanical Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating, “Pharmacists have been fielding questions from patients for years without ever having the ability to do anything about it. Finally, they have the ability not just to give people advice but provide them with the therapies they’ve been seeking.”

Georgia boasts more than 400 independent pharmacies, and the majority of them are expected to participate in this program. National chains such as CVS and Walgreens are the notable exceptions, as confirmed by Cecil Cordle, a member of the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.

This initiative is poised to bring convenience to the lives of Georgians, with approximately 90 percent of the state’s population residing within a 30-minute drive of a pharmacy offering medical marijuana products, according to reports.

Andrew Turnage, executive director for the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, hailed the pharmacy rule as “definitely big news” and emphasized its benefits for both licensees and, most importantly, patients. He remarked, “It will put access in virtually every county in the state.”

Addressing the number of medical marijuana patients in Georgia, a recent revelation by the Georgia Department of Public Health stirred up some controversy. It was disclosed that the department had miscounted and overstated the count of registered medical marijuana patients. The accurate figure currently stands at just 14,000 active patients and caregivers, a far cry from the previously reported 50,000.

Source: Benzinga

EXPLORE MORE NEWS

Major Corporations Investing in Cannabis

by | May 4, 2023 | News | 0 Comments

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the country, major corporations are increasingly taking notice and investing in the industry. In April of 2023, a major beverage company announced a $100 million investment in a cannabis-infused drink startup, signaling the growing trend of large corporations entering the cannabis space.

New York Expands Legal Cannabis Industry and Cracks Down on Illegal Market

by | November 3, 2023 | News | 0 Comments

New York has initiated a major expansion of its legal cannabis industry by opening applications for hundreds of new marijuana business licenses. This move follows a slow start, with only about two dozen retailers operating since adult-use sales began last December. The application period will run until December 4, and licenses are expected to be awarded early next year.

Weed: Revisiting the captivating series hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta

by | August 11, 2023 | Education, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Step into a realm where the vibrant green leaves of a plant hold not just the promise of transformation, but a catalyst for societal change. In the backdrop of a world skeptical yet curious, “Weed,” the mesmerizing series guided by the esteemed Dr. Sanjay Gupta, unfolds its narrative. Beyond its captivating storytelling lies a landmark endeavor that challenged perceptions, stirred conversations, and sparked a revolution in the realm of medical science. With a masterful blend of painstaking research, heartrending narratives, and insights from the brightest minds, this seven-episode odyssey embarks on an unprecedented exploration of medical cannabis. As the series aired, it ignited fervent discussions, captivating both public and critical acclaim. “Weed” was more than a documentary; it was a beacon that illuminated the potential to rewrite medical paradigms and the ways in which cannabis could be harnessed for healing. Its impact rippled through society, reshaping attitudes and inspiring advancements in cannabis research, legislation, and compassionate patient care.

California Department of Cannabis Control Invests in Expanding Licensed Cannabis Retail

by | June 29, 2023 | News | 0 Comments

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has recently announced an exciting development in California, focused on expanding access to licensed cannabis retail. A total of 18 local jurisdictions have been selected to receive funding through a pioneering program that aims to facilitate the establishment of cannabis retail licensing pathways. This funding will not only enhance consumer access to cannabis products but also provide crucial support to equity operators, promoting a more equitable and inclusive legal cannabis market.

Newsletter