How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Georgia

Under the Georgia Low THC oil program, a caregiver is a minor or adult's parent or legal guardian.

Caregivers play a crucial role in the Georgia medical cannabis landscape. They serve as essential support for individuals facing health challenges and ensuring they are able to fully benefit from having a GA med card. These dedicated individuals provide care for sick children and incapacitated adults who rely on cannabis for relief. But despite their vital role, it's important to note that caregiver rights differ from those of patients.

Continue reading to gain insights into the rights of caregivers. You’ll also learn the process of becoming a medical cannabis caregiver in Georgia.

How to Become a Caregiver in Georgia

Some patients may choose to have or are required to have a designated, legal caregiver in Georgia. A caregiver is an individual who receives a caregiver card for medical cannabis to purchase and possess cannabis on a patient’s behalf. 

However, the only legal cannabis products in Georgia are low-THC oils, tinctures, lotions, capsules, and transdermal patches containing below 5% total THC (delta-9 THC and THCa) by weight, which also contain an equal or greater amount of CBD. Caregivers and patients cannot possess certain forms of cannabis in Georgia, such as inhaled forms, edibles, and flower.

Fortunately, registering as a Georgia MMJ caregiver involves a process similar to filling out a patient application. 

1. First, to become a medical cannabis caregiver in Georgia, one must be a parent or legal guardian of the patient. Patients are each allowed a maximum of two caregivers.
2. The certified doctor will then input the patient’s and caregiver's information into the state's registry. Patients and caregivers alike can access authorized physicians through services like NuggMD.
3. The caregiver is issued the low-THC oil registry card when the application is approved. It costs the same as a patient card at $25. The card is made available for pickup at the nearest county Public Health Office in Georgia. When the card is ready, typically within 2 to 3 weeks from the approval date, an alert is sent out to the caregiver and patient.

Georgia Caregivers: What Do They Do (and Who Qualifies)?

In Georgia, caregivers play a pivotal role in supporting patients. They provide support to minors and individuals with disabilities navigating through their cannabis journey. Each patient can designate up to two caregivers for assistance.

To qualify as a medical cannabis caregiver in Georgia, individuals must meet specific criteria:

1. Be at least 18 years old or older
2. Be a Georgia resident with proof of residency, such as an ID card or driver's license, before applying
3. Be a legal guardian of an adult with a qualifying condition or the parent or legal guardian of a minor with a qualifying condition
4. Have their medical cannabis card approved by the state before beginning care
5. Pay a caregiver application fee of $25

Caregivers cannot:

1. Be the patient’s doctor or physician
2. Use the patient’s low-THC oil
3. Purchase more than the maximum amount allowed for the patient (up to 20 ounces of low-THC oil)
4. Cultivate or manufacture any cannabis products for their patient

State Laws for Georgia Caregivers and Their Patients

Designating a Medicinal Cannabis Caregiver in Georgia

Patients can designate up to two caregivers at any time. The state must approve the potential caregiver’s license application. Then, the caregiver will receive their Registry ID card. Once that’s complete, they can be designated as a patient’s caregiver.

Cultivating Cannabis as a Georgia Caregiver

Georgia cannabis caregivers cannot cultivate or manufacture any cannabis products for their patients. 

Learn more about Georgia’s cannabis laws and regulations and how to get a med card through NuggMD, visit our Georgia patient FAQs, or speak with one of our highly-rated customer service team members for hands-on support as you consider getting a Georgia med card.