Cannabis Business Licensing in Georgia

Program Details

Type of Program

• Medical 
• Low-THC Oil Only

Regulatory Agency

• Georgia Department of Public Health 
• GA Access to Medical Cannabis Commission
  

History of Legalization in Georgia

In 2015, HB 2, the Haleigh's Hope Act, was passed by the Georgia legislature and was signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal. The bill allowed qualified patients to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil (less than 5% THC) but did not allow cultivation and distribution within the state. The law included eight (8) qualifying conditions initially, but in May 2017, SB 16 added six more qualifying conditions, including intractable pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In April 2019, HB 324 passed, setting the foundation for in-state cultivation and sale of low-THC oil.

Market Metrics

• Population: 10.62 million
• Number of Licensed Cannabis Businesses: 0 as of November 30, 2020
• Number of Registered Medical Patients: 14,000 as of November 30, 2020
• Qualifying conditions include both intractable pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Low-THC Oil Only.
  

Licensing  

Key Deadlines

• The deadline for applicant questions is no later than December 7, 2020.
• Responses to applicant questions must be publicly posted no later than December 14, 2020.
• The deadline for the “Submission of Specifications Protest/Pre-Award Protest” (if applicable) is December 23, 2020.
• Class 1 & 2 Production License applications are due by 2:00 PM EST on December 28, 2020.
• Notice of Intent to Award is no later than March 30, 2021. The Commission’s selections will be announced publicly for ten (10) days.
• Notice of Award will be provided no later than April 9, 2021.
• The Commission may shift the dates above.

Available License Types 

• Class 1 Production License
• Up to 100,000 sq. ft. canopy
• 2 licenses available
• Cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing license. Must produce “dispensary ready” low-THC oil within twelve (12) months. 
• Class 2 Production License
• Up to 50,000 sq. ft. canopy
• 4 licenses available
• Cultivation, extraction, and manufacturing license. Must produce “dispensary ready” low-THC oil within twelve (12) months. 

Licensing Fees

• Class 1 Production License Fees
• $25,000 - Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable Application Fee. 
• $200,000 - Initial License Fee. Must be paid before license issuance and beginning operations.
• $100,000 - Annual Renewal Fee.
• Class 2 Production License Fees
• $5,000 - Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable Application Fee.
• $100,000 - Initial License Fee. Must be paid before license issuance and beginning operations.
• $50,000 - Annual Renewal Fee.

License Application Resources

• GMCC Licensing Page
• GMCC Application for Class 1&2 Production Licenses RFP Announcement

How to Get Started

• The license application is attached to a specific property, so you'll need to purchase real estate or secure a conditional purchase agreement. You'll also need support from the local governments overseeing the jurisdiction of your proposed property. 
• Build a well-qualified diverse ownership and management team. 
• Develop a comprehensive business plan and start to craft the articulation that you will need to meet the application requirements.
• Hire essential vendors to jump-start the license application process. This includes lawyers and consultants. 
• Develop a project management plan for the license application process. Familiarize yourself will all requirements and plan according to ensure all are completed before the deadline.

Pending Changes to Georgia’s Cannabis Program

While no specific dates have been set yet, the Dispensary License application process is likely to take in early 2021 once the Class 1 & 2 Production License process is complete.