UPDATE: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a bill expanding medical marijuana access into law on Tuesday, May 12. It goes into effect statewide on Wednesday, July 1.

The bill, titled the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” had already passed the state Senate and House of Representatives earlier this year.

Now, low THC oil is considered “medical cannabis” in legal code.

Primarily, the bill modifies the list of diagnosed conditions for which patients can receive a medical cannabis registration card.

Before the governor’s signature, several conditions, like developed or severe Alzheimer’s, autism, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD, qualified patients for a card. Now, people with lupus can qualify, and some of the prior conditions don’t have to be “severe” or “end-stage.”

It also revises renewal procedures for medical marijuana cards, and clarifies that lawful use of the substance is excluded from the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.

Smoking and vaping medical cannabis are prohibited for individuals under 21 but allowed for those older, and its use is still restricted in public places.

The drug remains illegal for recreational use.

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PREVIOUS STORY: Georgia is one signature away from a big change in its medical marijuana program.

Senate Bill 220, also known as “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act,” would change how medical cannabis is regulated and used in Georgia.

The bill would replace THC percentages with standardized milligram dosing, making it easier for doctors to prescribe and for patients to use safely.

Governor Brian Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto the measure.

Below is the most recent version of SB 220, as of Friday, April 10 at 12:00pm.