The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) announced during their public hearing on Saturday, July 24, the Notice of Intent to Award six Class 1 and Class 2 Production Licenses to manufacture low-THC cannabis oil for medical use in Georgia. Sixty-nine applicants submitted competitive proposals and have undergone a fair and rigorous selection process.

“It's a great day for Georgians who need access to low-THC oil, and their families who have advocated a quality of life for their loved ones,” said Dr. Christopher Edwards, chair of the commission. “From day one, the commission has intentionally made sure we were listening to patients' needs and gathered information on best practices from medical professionals. In selecting Walker County for our public meeting, we’ve shown our commitment to involving communities throughout the state and maintaining trust, transparency and confidentiality,” Dr. Edwards said. 

Two companies won licenses to cultivate medical marijuana oil on 100,000 square feet of indoor growing space: Trulieve GA Inc., an affiliate of Florida-based Trulieve Cannabis Corp., and Botanical Sciences LLC.

Four companies will be licensed to operate smaller production facilities with 50,000 square feet of growing room: TheraTrue Georgia LLC, FFD GA Holdings, Treevana Remedy Inc. and Natures GA LLC.

Two years ago, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 324, “Georgia’s Hope Act,” which allows patients to access medical cannabis oil with no more than 5% THC. The legislation allows the commission to issue up to six licenses to private companies to grow cannabis under close supervision of the state. Two licensees will allocate up to 100,000 square feet of growing space, while four licensees will be limited to no more than 50,000 square feet of growing space.

“Because of the dedication and hard work of the commission, we have been able to stay focused on getting the work done while always keeping patients' needs as a top priority. This is a big step in the right direction, and the announcement of the six companies is an indication that help is on the way for Georgians,”  said Danielle Benson, Vice-chair of the cannabis commission.