Georgia will be first US state where pharmacies sell medical cannabis

Georgia will be first US state where pharmacies sell medical cannabis

  • October 22, 2023
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Georgia is poised to become the first state in the United States to allow pharmacies to sell medical cannabis. This groundbreaking move is expected to make access to medical cannabis more convenient and accessible for patients.

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How will pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales work in Georgia?

Under Georgia’s new law, licensed pharmacies will be able to sell low-dose THC products to patients with a valid medical cannabis card. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces a “high.” However, the THC content of products sold in pharmacies will be limited to 5%.

Patients will be able to purchase a variety of THC products from pharmacies, including:

  • Oils
  • Tinctures
  • Topicals
  • Capsules
  • Lozenges

Pharmacists will be required to undergo training on the safe and effective use of medical cannabis. They will also be responsible for counseling patients on the potential risks and benefits of medical cannabis use.

What are the benefits of pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales?

There are a number of potential benefits to pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales. These include:

  • Increased access to medical cannabis: Pharmacy-based sales will make medical cannabis more accessible to patients who may not be able to travel to a dispensary.
  • Enhanced patient safety: Pharmacists are trained healthcare professionals who can provide patients with information on the safe and effective use of medical cannabis.
  • Reduced stigma: Selling medical cannabis in pharmacies can help to reduce the stigma associated with its use.
  • Increased quality control: Pharmacies are subject to strict regulations that ensure the quality of the products they sell.

What are the potential challenges of pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales?

Some potential challenges of pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales include:

  • Concerns about diversion: There is a concern that some people may attempt to purchase medical cannabis from pharmacies for non-medical purposes.
  • Lack of pharmacist training: Not all pharmacists are familiar with medical cannabis. This could lead to patients receiving inaccurate information about the risks and benefits of medical cannabis use.
  • Opposition from some pharmacy chains: Some pharmacy chains have expressed opposition to selling medical cannabis. This could limit the number of pharmacies that participate in the program.

FAQs about pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales in Georgia

  • Who will be eligible to purchase medical cannabis from pharmacies?

Only patients with a valid medical cannabis card will be eligible to purchase medical cannabis from pharmacies.

  • What types of medical conditions will qualify for medical cannabis treatment?

The Georgia Compassionate Care Act allows for the use of medical cannabis to treat a number of medical conditions, including:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Seizure disorders
  • Tourette’s syndrome
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Chronic pain
  • How much medical cannabis will patients be able to purchase?

Patients will be able to purchase up to a 90-day supply of medical cannabis from pharmacies.

  • What are the costs associated with medical cannabis?

The cost of medical cannabis will vary depending on the product and the pharmacy. However, patients can expect to pay between $50 and $300 per month for medical cannabis.

Conclusion

Georgia’s move to allow pharmacies to sell medical cannabis is a significant development in the state’s medical cannabis program. This change is expected to make medical cannabis more accessible to patients and reduce the stigma associated with its use. However, there are also some potential challenges associated with pharmacy-based medical cannabis sales. The success of this new program will only be determined in time.