Historic Milestone: Georgia Becomes First State to Allow Medical Cannabis Sales in Hundreds of Pharmacies

Nov 3, 2023 | Education, News

In a groundbreaking development, the Georgia Board of Pharmacy has opened its doors to applications from nearly 120 pharmacies looking to provide medical marijuana products. This historic move makes Georgia the first state in the nation to permit the sale of low-dose cannabis within independent drug stores.

The implementation of the pharmacy rule, which extends medical marijuana sales to drug stores, promises to significantly enhance patient access. Up until now, the state has been served by only seven dispensaries, leaving patients with conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, seizures, terminal cancers, and PTSD with limited options.

The exclusive suppliers for these pharmacies will be the state’s only two licensed cannabis producers: Botanical Sciences LLC and Trulieve Cannabis Corp. These two companies were the first to receive approval earlier this year to cater to registered medical cannabis patients in Georgia.

Gary Long, CEO of Botanical Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating, “Pharmacists have been fielding questions from patients for years without ever having the ability to do anything about it. Finally, they have the ability not just to give people advice but provide them with the therapies they’ve been seeking.”

Georgia boasts more than 400 independent pharmacies, and the majority of them are expected to participate in this program. National chains such as CVS and Walgreens are the notable exceptions, as confirmed by Cecil Cordle, a member of the Georgia Board of Pharmacy.

This initiative is poised to bring convenience to the lives of Georgians, with approximately 90 percent of the state’s population residing within a 30-minute drive of a pharmacy offering medical marijuana products, according to reports.

Andrew Turnage, executive director for the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, hailed the pharmacy rule as “definitely big news” and emphasized its benefits for both licensees and, most importantly, patients. He remarked, “It will put access in virtually every county in the state.”

Addressing the number of medical marijuana patients in Georgia, a recent revelation by the Georgia Department of Public Health stirred up some controversy. It was disclosed that the department had miscounted and overstated the count of registered medical marijuana patients. The accurate figure currently stands at just 14,000 active patients and caregivers, a far cry from the previously reported 50,000.

Source: Benzinga

EXPLORE MORE NEWS

Major Corporations Investing in Cannabis

by | May 4, 2023 | News | 0 Comments

As cannabis legalization continues to spread across the country, major corporations are increasingly taking notice and investing in the industry. In April of 2023, a major beverage company announced a $100 million investment in a cannabis-infused drink startup, signaling the growing trend of large corporations entering the cannabis space.

Green Wave Rising: Navigating the Global Cannabis Legalization Landscape

by | July 12, 2023 | Education | 0 Comments

In recent years, there has been a growing global shift towards the legalization of cannabis. This remarkable trend has sparked intense debates and discussions surrounding the implications of such legislative changes. As cannabis becomes more widely accepted, it is crucial to examine the current state of cannabis legalization worldwide, highlighting recent developments, legislative changes, and the impact of these changes on society, the economy, and public health. By exploring the potential benefits and challenges of cannabis legalization, we can gain a better understanding of this evolving landscape.

The Significance of Medical Cannabis in Shifting Public Attitudes

by | July 17, 2023 | News | 0 Comments

New Frontier Data recently unveiled the first part of their report titled “Cannabis Consumers in America 2023: An Overview of Consumers Today.” This comprehensive study delves into the preferences, behaviors, and beliefs of over 4,300 adult cannabis consumers, as well as the perspectives of more than 1,100 non-consumers regarding potential cannabis use and their opinions about the plant.

How California’s Delivery Services Are Redefining the Retail Industry

by | August 16, 2023 | Education | 0 Comments

The retail industry has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years, and one of the biggest drivers of this change has been the rise of e-commerce and delivery services. As consumers increasingly turn to online shopping, companies are finding new ways to deliver goods to customers quickly and efficiently. California has been at the forefront of this trend, with delivery services like YesDelivery redefining the retail industry.

Newsletter