The state famous for its peaches and scenic stretch of coastline has made it incredibly easy for people to purchase their favorite CBD products, from oils and lozenges to calming tablets.
Buying CBD online is one of the most efficient ways to shop — and it’s completely legal in Georgia.
Since 2019, Georgia has allowed the sale of hemp-derived CBD products with a THC content of less than 0.3%. More specifically, the Georgia Hemp Farming Act permits the sale of hemp products in every category except food.
CBD Laws in Georgia: What You Need to Know
CBD products are legal and available for purchase in Georgia. All hemp-derived products became legal for sale following the passage of the Georgia Hemp Farming Act in 2019.
As hemp-derived products gained a place in Georgia marketplaces, this legislation established pathways for:
- Research – Georgia is keen to become a national leader in hemp cultivation and production and has permitted universities to conduct testing on CBD oils and other hemp-derived products.
- Exploration – The state sees hemp as a future profitable market and has established pathways for farmers to cultivate and process hemp for commercial purposes. The state hopes that it will “open up new commercial markets for farmers and businesses through the sale of hemp products.”
- Licenses – It is required to have a license in order to cultivate, handle, or process hemp in Georgia.
- Testing – The Georgia Department of Agriculture is permitted to randomly collect and test samples of hemp from the fields and greenhouses of all licensees.
Is CBD Legal in Georgia?
When the federal Farm Bill removed hemp from the Controlled Substances Act in 2018, Georgia followed suit with the Georgia Hemp Farming Act in 2019.
As hemp made the switch from controlled substance to agricultural product, the Georgia Department of Agriculture assumed authority and oversight of the crop.
According to the Hemp Farming Act, hemp is “the Cannabis sativa L. plant and any part of such plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with the federally defined THC level for hemp or a lower level.” And that federally defined level is 0.3%.
While it is legal to sell hemp-derived products with a THC content of less than 0.3%, food products infused with any level of THC are not legal in Georgia unless they are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), due to stipulations in the Farm Bill.
It remains illegal to purchase marijuana-derived CBD products without a medical marijuana card in Georgia.
Can I Buy CBD in Georgia?
It is legal to purchase hemp-derived CBD products throughout Georgia. You’ll find a variety of purchasing options in the state, from a head shop down the street to a CBD expert online shop. You may even be able to find CBD products at local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.
Can I Buy CBD Online?
Buying CBD online is one of the most efficient ways to shop — and it’s completely legal in Georgia. Finding an online retailer means that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of going to a shop. Plus, you’ll likely be able to choose from a greater product selection, organized by your health concerns. Then everything just shows up on your doorstep.
That said, be on the lookout for scams. They’re more common than you’d think. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2017 found that 70% of the 84 CBD products tested did not meet the claims on the label. Look for products that bear an official hemp certification of analysis (COA) from a third-party tester.
A reputable online store like Zebra CBD will be able to prove a few different qualities of their CBD:
- Cleanliness – CBD products sold through Zebra CBD are always free of heavy metals, microbials, unnatural pesticides, herbicides and fungicides
- Label accuracy – Make sure you’re getting the exact dosage that it says on the bottle. Opt for a company that partakes in third-party testing to meet label claims.
- Transparent pricing – Know where your money is going.
- Source farms – You have the right to know where your CBD is coming from. Look for a retailer that will tell you.
Can I Buy CBD at a Dispensary?
You’ll find CBD products at dispensaries throughout Georgia. But once you’re at a dispensary, bear in mind that you won’t be able to buy any of their marijuana-derived CBD products without a Low THC Card, which is issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
If you’re looking to buy CBD in person, stop in any wellness or vape shop around Georgia. They should be able to help.
Legal Status of CBD in Georgia
Hemp-derived CBD is legal to purchase without a license in Georgia. There is no legal age minimum to purchase CBD products but note that shop owners can set their own rules of sale. You may find a store that requires customers to be 18 years old to purchase CBD products.
Bear in mind that as attitudes and laws toward the cannabis plant change in Georgia, CBD regulations may change along with them. Keep an eye out for updates to ensure you’re complying with local legislation.
Legal Disclaimer
The information contained above is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice. The provided information may not reflect current legal developments or information, and is not guaranteed to be correct, complete or current. We recommend checking our source(s) to see if the information or legal status have been revised since our content was published.
FAQ
1. Is CBD Legal in Georgia?
Yes, all hemp-derived CBD products are legal.
2. How old do you have to be to buy CBD in Georgia?
There is no legal age minimum to purchase CBD in Georgia. However, retailers set the rules of their business and may require a customer to be at least 18 years of age to purchase CBD.
3. Can I sell CBD products in Georgia?
You do not need a license to sell CBD products with less than 0.3% THC in Georgia.
Source:
Georgia Department of Agriculture. Georgia Hemp Farming Act. http://agr.georgia.gov/hemp/2-23-1-Georgia-Hemp-Farming-Act.pdf
Georgia Department of Agriculture. Guidance on Hemp Products and Their Inclusion in Human Food and Animal Feed. https://agr.georgia.gov/data/sites/1/media/ag_foodSafety/outreach/Hemp-and-CBD-in-Human-Food-and-Animal-Feed.pdf
Georgia Department of Public Health. Low THC Oil Registry Page. https://dph.georgia.gov/low-thc-oil-registry
