Trusted Attorney Providing Knowledgeable And Dedicated Representation

Attorney Christopher T. Adams

Trusted Attorney Providing Knowledgeable And Dedicated Representation

Think medical marijuana is legal in Georgia? Think again.

When Georgia governor Nathan Deal signed legislation legalizing cannabis oil for people with certain medical conditions, many people assume that medical marijuana is now legal. However, the law is narrow in scope. It is easy to run afoul of Georgia’s medical marijuana law, especially if you are brining medical marijuana into Georgia from another state.

Here’s what you need to know if you are thinking of buying marijuana for medical use or bringing medical marijuana into Georgia.

In Georgia, cannabis oil is now legal for certain medical conditions. If you possess leaves, buds or other parts of the plant, you can be charged with illegal possession of marijuana, even if you obtained the marijuana legally in another state.

The diseases covered by Georgia’s medical marijuana law are fairly narrow. With a doctor’s prescription, cannabis oil is legal for the following conditions: cancer, Crohn’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, mitochondrial disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, seizure disorders and sickle cell anemia. Possession of cannabis oil for any other disease is illegal.

Just because you a have a prescription for medical marijuana from another state does not mean that you can bring the marijuana into Georgia. A controled substance that does not meet the exceptions covered by Georgia law becomes illegal as soon as you cross the border.

In Georgia, having less than an ounce of marijuana in your possession is a misdemeanor offense, even if it’s for medical use. If you are convicted, you could face up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. If you’re found with more than an ounce, it’s considered a felony. Potentially, you could face up to 10 years a prison.

If you are arrested for possession of marijuana in Georgia, don’t try to explain that the marijuana is for medical use. Instead, seek prompt advice from a lawyer who regularly defends against marijuana charges.

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