New Georgia law expands medical cannabis options for patients

Senate Bill 220 allows new products aimed at faster relief for patients including veterans

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia’s medical cannabis program is expanding starting July 1, giving patients more options for chronic pain relief under Senate Bill 220.

The law allows for the use of flower and vape products, giving patients faster ways to feel relief.

Jeremy Davis, executive director of production for Trulieve, a medical marijuana dispensary, says both options are designed to help patients feel relief more quickly.

“Both are for vaporization and both of these categories allow patients to have faster onset of relief,” Davis said.

For Davis, that impact is personal. He works with Trulieve, a medical marijuana dispensary, and served in the U.S. Air Force. He says he struggled with traditional medications after being diagnosed with PTSD.

“What I found with medical marijuana is that it helps me sleep with none of the negative side effects and hangovers and bad feelings the next day that some of the typical prescribed medication would,” Davis said.

Now, he says expanding access to medical cannabis gives patients another option without some of the harsh side effects of other drugs.

“Medical cannabis does offer an alternative medicine to your typical opioids and benzos that have been prescribed so many years,” Davis said.

Davis says his goal is to educate patients and connect them with safe, regulated products across Georgia. He encourages anyone interested to speak with a certified physician or visit a licensed dispensary to learn more.