Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Marijuana Card in Georgia

In the Peach State, the path to relief for many consumers lies in getting a Georgia medical cannabis card. 

To get a medical cannabis card in Georgia and begin accessing patient-only benefits, patients must meet state-specified requirements and have a qualifying medical condition. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission determines these conditions. 

Fortunately, obtaining a medical card can be simple when you understand what conditions qualify you for a Georgia medical card.

List of Qualifying Medical Conditions in Georgia

Georgia residents may qualify for a cannabis card if they have one or more of the following medical conditions:

• AIDS when such syndrome is severe or end stage
• Alzheimer’s disease, when such disease is severe or end stage
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Autism spectrum disorder, when (a) patient is 18 years of age or more, or (b) patient is less than 18 years of age and diagnosed with severe autism
• Cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness or recalcitrant nausea and vomiting
• Crohn’s disease
• Epidermolysis bullosa
• Intractable pain
• Mitochondrial disease
• Multiple sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Parkinson’s disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Peripheral neuropathy, when symptoms are severe or end stage
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from direct exposure to or witnessing of a trauma for a patient who is at least 18 years of age
• Seizure disorders related to diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma related head injuries
• Sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage
• Tourette’s syndrome, when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe
• Patient is in hospice program, either as inpatient or outpatient

These qualifying medical conditions are subject to change, and the Georgia Commission may add more as the years progress.

What Qualifies You for a Medical Card in Georgia?

In addition to the qualifying conditions, obtaining a THC-oil registry card in Georgia requires residents to: 

• Present a current driver's license or state ID showing proof of residency
• Pay a $25 fee after approval for certification at the time of picking up your card
• Be over the age of 18 (and be the parent or legal guardian if applying for a patient who is under the age of 18)

You Meet the Georgia Medical Card Requirements… Now What?

There are several steps to address once you ensure you meet the minimum criteria for acquiring a THC-oil registry card.

1. If a physician approves, the patient's information (and, if necessary, the patient’s caregiver’s information) is entered into DPH’s “Low THC Oil Registry.” A Low THC Oil Card will be issued to the patient or the patient’s caregiver after this.
2. Patients and caregivers will be notified when the cards are ready for pick-up. You can pick it up from one of the 38 public health offices distributing low-THC oil cards. Availability is typically within 15 days of getting approved and costs $25 at the time of pick-up.

Learn more about how to get a medical card in Georgia (and the state's cannabis laws and regulations and how they apply to med card holders).

What Forms Do You Need When Meeting with a Medical Card Doctor in Georgia?

Here’s a brief summary of the medical forms you should have ready for your appointment.

• Any relevant medical records. If available, these should help support your qualifying condition. Medical records may include diagnosis reports, treatment history, and any other documentation demonstrating the severity of your condition.
• A current driver’s license or state ID as proof of your Georgia residency. Have the document ready to present during your evaluation to speed up the overall process.
• If applicable, prepare any necessary documentation for financial assistance, too.  That may include proof of income, tax returns, or other relevant financial information.

Specific requirements can vary, so be sure to stay up-to-date on how to get a medical cannabis card in Georgia.

It’s okay to ask questions, too. This is your time to learn about your conditions and how cannabis may be beneficial. NuggMD Georgia is here to make your evaluation and application process as seamless and easy as possible.