The Georgia Senate passed, in a series that went against the usual partisan divides, three bills which would restrict hemp-based products for recreational use while increasing access to medical cannabis.
The deadline for legislation to be viable in this session is the Crossover Day, which falls just after the day when it must pass through at least one chamber. Georgia Recorder.
Senate Bill 254 is the most controversial bill, and it would prohibit all THC-infused drinks in Georgia. The bill was sponsored by Republican Senator Bill Cowsert from Athens. It passed with 42-14 votes after it had been amended so that the THC level would be completely banned, not just limited.
Cowsert stated during the floor debate that most states have a limit on the amount THC allowed in drinks, in lotions and in gummies. “And the reason is to protect consumers – protect the public – from the psychoactive components of THC.”
Cowsert described higher-dose THC drinks as “loaded guns” and claimed that one serving (10 mg) of THC is equivalent to four glasses wine.
This legislation was a result of a decision by the Georgia Department of Agriculture to raise THC levels in drinks from 5mg to 10mg per serving. SB 254 will not only reverse the change, it would completely eliminate products of this type.
Senate Bill 220 dramatically expanded medical cannabis access by limiting recreational hemp. The bill, passed by 39-17, increases the THC content in medical products, from 5% to 50 percent, and eliminates requirements for qualifying conditions such as cancer or Parkinson’s disease.
According to the outlet, floor amendments would allow caregivers to pick up medical cannabis from pharmacies and also add lupus on the list of qualifying diseases. According to this outlet, floor amendments allowing caregivers the ability to purchase medical cannabis at pharmacies have been approved. However attempts to decrease THC limit, ban vaping or remove PTSD were not accepted.
Kay Kirkpatrick is a Republican Senator from Marietta. She championed Senate Bill 33. The measure was approved 50-6. The legislation would mandate testing and labels for hemp derivatives, such as delta-8 and Delta-10 THC.
Kirkpatrick clarified that “this bill does not constitute a ban.” This is a consumer bill, which does not intend to have an impact on processors who are already labeling and testing their products. This bill is designed to help consumers understand what products they’re purchasing.
The legislative session, which continues through April 4, will see all three bills being considered by the House.