Yes, hemp is legal in Georgia, and the cultivation, processing, and sale of hemp are regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). Consumers must be 21 years or older to purchase consumable hemp products like CBD and hemp-derived delta-9 THC oils, gummies, and topicals in the state.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a cannabis plant containing 0.3% delta-9 THC or less on a dry weight basis. The regulations surrounding its use are different from those governing cannabis, which refers to plants with more than 0.3% delta-9 THC.
The hemp plant has practical uses across multiple industries. Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the hemp plant can be used for:
- Stems: Hemp stems are made of thick fibers that are used to create ropes, textiles, and building materials. Some car manufacturers have even used hemp in their vehicles because of its lightweight quality and sustainability.
- Seeds: Hemp seeds are versatile and primarily used for nutritional value, as they contain a number of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fatty acids.
- Roots: Hemp roots can be used in therapeutic applications like ointments and supplements to help with pain relief and inflammation.
- Leaves and Flowers: Hemp leaves and flowers contain valuable cannabinoids used in oils, food, tea, and cosmetics. Hemp flowers contain the highest concentration of delta-9 THC and are used to make various wellness-enhancing products.
Benefits of Hemp-Derived Delta-9 THC Products
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC products are increasingly popular for their potential wellness benefits. While individual experiences vary, many people use these products for benefits such as:
Possible Mood Enhancement
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC may help improve mood by influencing brain activity through interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which controls stress responses in the brain.
Potential Pain Relief
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC may help reduce chronic or occasional pain by interacting with receptors in the brain that influence pain perception, potentially easing discomfort and muscle tension.
Possible Appetite Enhancement
For individuals struggling to maintain adequate food intake, hemp-derived delta-9 THC may help stimulate hunger and encourage eating. However, these effects are temporary and should not be considered a long-term solution for appetite loss.
Potential Sleep Aid
Hemp-derived delta-9 THC may help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve overall sleep quality. Its calming effects can ease racing thoughts and promote relaxation at bedtime. While more research is needed, many users report fewer nighttime awakenings and more restful sleep after incorporating hemp-derived delta-9 THC into their routines.
Georgia’s Hemp Laws
The Georgia Hemp Farming Act lays out clear guidelines for the sale, production, and cultivation of hemp in the state. Under this law, individuals aged 21 years and older are permitted to possess or purchase consumable hemp-derived products in Georgia. The law also requires businesses that manufacture and sell these products to obtain an operating license and follow strict testing requirements. These regulations are meant to protect consumers from potentially dangerous, unregulated products.
Below is a rundown of the key regulations that govern hemp in Georgia:
Industrial Hemp Farming in Georgia
Individuals and businesses seeking to cultivate hemp in Georgia must apply for a hemp grower license from the GDA. Once approved, hemp growers must follow all regulations pertaining to pesticide application and waiting periods between spraying and planting.
Licensing fees are calculated by the GDA based on the total area cultivated. There is a $50.00 charge for each acre, with a maximum fee of $5,000. Indoor hemp cultivation is included in the acreage calculation. Each indoor growing facility is counted as a separate acre, with 43,560 square feet considered equivalent to one acre.
Manufacturing of Hemp Products
Individuals must be 21 years or older to purchase hemp products in Georgia. The regulations also set limits on the amount of hemp-derived delta-9 THC allowed in various product types:
- Hemp gummies must not contain more than 10 mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC per serving and 150 mg per package.
- Hemp beverages cannot contain more than 5 mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC per 12 fluid ounces.
- Hemp topicals cannot contain more than 1000 mg of total hemp-derived delta-9 THC per package.
- Tinctures are restricted to 2 mg of total hemp-derived delta-9 THC per ml.
Under Georgia law, the sale of hemp flowers is prohibited. This includes any raw hemp material that could be smoked. The justification for this ban is often linked to difficulties in distinguishing between hemp and cannabis in law enforcement scenarios.
Penalties for Violations
Operating a hemp business without proper licensing is considered a misdemeanor for a first-time offense in Georgia. However, repeat offenses are taken more seriously and are punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a maximum fine of $5,000.
Individuals who are under 21 years of age who purchase hemp products are subject to a $500 fine that can be settled through community service. Retailers must verify the age of customers if they are unsure that they meet the minimum age requirement, but they may employ people under 21 to handle hemp products.
Packaging Requirements and Marketing Restrictions
Hemp products in Georgia must be labeled with the universal THC warning symbol, and their packaging must feature all the information from a certificate of analysis (COA) or a QR code that provides access to the information from a COA.
In addition, packaging for hemp products must be child-resistant and tamper-evident and cannot resemble candy or snacks, or other food products that are widely distributed and familiar to the public. Advertising cannot target minors or make definitive medical claims. These rules are designed to ensure consumer safety while maintaining access to hemp-derived products.
Shop Hemp-Derived Wellness Products in Georgia
Georgia’s legal hemp market offers adults aged 21 or older access to quality wellness products produced by licensed manufacturers.
As a physician-founded health and wellness brand, ONE59 goes above industry standards, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of each product in our collection. Our curated selection includes hemp-derived CBD, delta-9 THC, CBG, CBC, and CBN products crafted to address a variety of needs. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or an energy boost, we have what you need. Browse our collection and place your order today!