In 2015, the state Georgia legalized the medical use of low-THC cannabidoil (CBD oil) or cannabis oil through Haley’s Hope Act. There is a detailed process in place to legally obtain CBD oil, and it is only available for those dealing with certain illness and conditions:
- Cancer, when at end stage or the treatment of produces related wasting illness, recalcitrant nausea and vomiting.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), when at severe or end stage
- Seizure disorders related to diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma related head injuries.
- Multiple Sclerosis, when at severe or end stage
- Crohn’s Disease
- Mitochondrial Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease, when at severe or end stage
- Sickle Cell Disease, when at severe or end stage
To legally possess low-THC CBD oil, a patient must obtain a physician-approved card, which is issued the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). According to the DPH’s website, here is the process for obtaining a “Low-THC Oil Registry” card:
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Patients and caregivers of patients who believe they may be eligible should consult with their physician about the possibility of obtaining a card allowing them to possess 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil within the state of Georgia.
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If approved by the physician, the patient or patient’s caregivers’ information will be entered into DPH’s secure “Low THC Oil Registry” and a card(s) will be issued.
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Patients and caregivers will be notified when the cards are ready for pickup (within 15 business days) from one of several public health offices geographically spread around the state. [Please note: The card is not distributed by Atlanta Center for Holistic & Integrative Medicine.]
At the Atlanta Center for Holistic & Integrative Medicine, Dr. Taz Bhatia and Dr. Zach Cohen are currently registered to approve patients for the use and carry of CBD oil. In order to receive card approval from our office, the person must be a patient of the practice and a Georgia resident (out-of-state patients are not eligible).
If you are interested in obtaining a Low-THC oil registry card and believe you are eligible (or are a guardian for someone who is), please call our office to book an appointment at 404.814.9808. For more information on the law, visit the Georgia Department of Public Health’s website. You can more answers to your questions on their FAQ page.
Please note: Atlanta Center for Holistic and Integrative Medicine does not distribute CBD oil nor the physical Low-THC Registry Card. We only provide the necessary physician approval for patients to qualify to register for the card. The oil is obtained through a third-party company, such as Charlotte’s Web or Haley’s Hope.
