To qualify as a caregiver in Georgia, the individual must meet the following criteria:

1. 1. Age Requirement:
      • Caregivers must be at least 21 years old.
   2. Residency:
      • Caregivers must be Georgia residents.
   3. Background Check:
      • Caregivers must undergo a background check. Individuals with felony convictions related to drugs or violent crimes may be ineligible to act as a caregiver.
   4. One Patient at a Time:
      • A caregiver is generally allowed to assist only one patient at a time. However, a parent or legal guardian can serve as a caregiver for multiple minor children if necessary.

• Physician Certification:
  • The caregiver must be designated by the patient’s certifying physician as part of the patient’s medical cannabis certification. The physician’s certification is submitted to the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH).
• Register Online:
  • The caregiver must register online with the Georgia Low THC Oil Registry through the Georgia Department of Public Health. The registration process involves providing personal information and submitting to a background check.
• Receive Caregiver ID Card:
  • After approval, the caregiver will receive a caregiver ID card, which allows them to legally purchase medical cannabis on behalf of the patient.

• Once registered, the caregiver can legally visit a licensed dispensary to purchase low-THC oil for the patient. The caregiver will need to bring the following:

  • The caregiver ID card.
  • The patient’s medical cannabis card.
  • Proof of identity (e.g., government-issued ID).

Once registered with the Georgia Low THC Oil Registry, the caregiver has several key responsibilities:

1. 1. Obtaining Medical Cannabis:
      • Caregivers are responsible for purchasing low-THC oil from a licensed dispensary on behalf of the patient. The caregiver will need to present their caregiver ID card along with the patient’s medical cannabis card to make purchases.
   2. Administering Medical Cannabis:
      • The caregiver must administer the low-THC oil to the patient according to the physician’s instructions. This may involve ensuring proper dosage and administering the cannabis in the correct form (e.g., tinctures or oils).
   3. Storing Cannabis Safely:
      • Caregivers are responsible for storing the low-THC oil in a safe and secure place to prevent unauthorized access. This is especially important when the patient is a minor or if there are others in the household.
   4. Monitoring and Tracking Use:
      • The caregiver should track the patient’s cannabis use to ensure they are following the recommended dosage and to monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions. If any issues arise, they should contact the certifying physician.

1. No Home Cultivation:
   • Patients are not allowed to cultivate their own cannabis in Georgia. All medical cannabis must be purchased from a licensed dispensary.
2. Possession Limits:
   • Patients can possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil at any given time.
3. Recreational Use:
   • Recreational cannabis remains illegal in Georgia. The state’s medical cannabis program is separate from any potential recreational cannabis laws.

If you are a caregiver, your caregiver registration also needs to be renewed alongside the patient’s certification. Here are some key points:

1. 1. Renewal Application: Caregivers will need to submit their own renewal application through the DPH portal and pay the renewal fee.
   2. Background Check: The caregiver must undergo a background check again during the renewal process, but if they have already been approved once, they will likely be approved for renewal as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

• Start Early: It’s recommended to start the renewal process at least 30 days before your current medical cannabis card expires. This will help avoid any gaps in access.
• Card Expiry: If your card expires before you’ve completed the renewal process, you may be unable to purchase medical cannabis from a dispensary until your renewal is approved.
• Processing Time: The processing time for renewal can take 1–2 weeks, so plan accordingly.

To qualify, you must be a Georgia resident diagnosed with one of the state-approved medical conditions, such as epilepsy, PTSD, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or intractable pain. A licensed Georgia physician must evaluate and certify your condition.

Yes! With DigiDrs, you can complete the entire process online — from your initial application to your virtual doctor evaluation. Once approved, you’ll receive your Low THC Oil certification and registration instructions by email.

Georgia only allows the possession and use of low-THC oil (up to 5% THC). The sale or use of cannabis flower, edibles, or high-THC products is still prohibited under Georgia law.

After your doctor approves your certification and it is submitted to the Georgia Department of Public Health, you’ll typically receive your Low THC Registry Card within 7–10 business days. In many cases, DigiDrs delivers your certification within 24 hours.