ATLANTA — The Peach State is on the verge of making history by being the inaugural state in the U.S. to provide medical cannabis products through independent drugstores, according to authorities.
The state’s Pharmacy Board initiated the process of application reception earlier this week. Already, approximately 120 drugstores are on board to dispense medications supplied by Botanical Sciences, one of two companies authorized to produce these products in Georgia, as noted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. However, it is anticipated to be several weeks before medical cannabis hits the shelves. The necessary inspections following application submission must occur before any endorsements by the board.
Currently, medical cannabis in Georgia is restricted, with access granted only to those who have secured a physician’s approval to manage grave conditions like seizure disorders, terminal cancers, Parkinson’s, and PTSD. The permitted low THC oil must not exceed a THC content of 5%, ensuring it doesn’t induce a euphoric high.
The entrance of medical cannabis into retail pharmacies is expected to significantly extend the reach of low THC oil beyond the existing seven dispensaries operational since the spring.
Eligible patients can procure cannabis oil from these drugstores upon presentation of their state-allocated low THC oil registry card alongside valid identification.
Gary Long, the top executive at Botanical Sciences, expressed relief at pharmacists finally having the capacity to do more than just address queries, by actively offering the sought-after treatments. He projected that roughly 90% of the state’s residents would have a medical marijuana retail outlet within a half-hour drive once operations commence.
Pharmacist Mindy Leech, proprietor of Lee-King Pharmacy in Newnan, highlighted the integral role of pharmacists in demystifying this emergent medicinal option, fostering an environment where inquiries are welcomed.
It was back in 2019 when the Georgia legislature greenlit the dispensation of low THC oil. However, the intervening period has been consumed with the development of safety protocols, inspection procedures, and distribution and licensing regulations. Governor Brian Kemp endorsed these rules a month ago, as sanctioned by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, signaling the commencement of sales via pharmacies.
A recent revelation from the Georgia Department of Public Health unveiled an overestimation in the count of registered medical marijuana recipients. The corrected figure stands at 14,000 active patients and caregivers, a drastic reduction from the initial 50,000.
Jonathan Marquess, who holds a leadership role at the Georgia Pharmacy Association, emphasized the significant impact this will have in reaching patients residing in Georgia’s distant regions, who are proximate to these pharmacies, bypassing the need for a nearby dispensary.
With over 400 standalone pharmacies spread across Georgia, Marquess is optimistic that a majority will express interest in offering low THC oil. This optimism is not mirrored by nationwide chains like CVS and Walgreens, who have abstained from retailing the product.
Andrew Turnage, the lead at the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, labeled the pharmacy rule as a monumental development, indicative of progressive steps benefiting license holders and, more crucially, patients, ensuring widespread accessibility throughout the state.
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