Lawmakers In Georgia Seek To Raise Age For Hemp Products As DEA Conflict Over Cannabis Sales At Pharmacies Simmers

Georgia lawmakers recently introduced a bill to raise the legal age to buy cannabis and hemp products. 

What happened: In October, Georgia made history by allowing independent pharmacies to sell cannabis and hemp products. Then, in December, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warned pharmacies that dispensing medical marijuana is not legal under federal law, which prompted state regulators starting to consider legal actions. 

Now, Georgia regulators are trying to raise the legal age to acquire hemp products from 18 to 21, writes WSBTV.

Senate Bill 350's proposal to raise the legal age to buy and possess consumable hemp products matches that of the legal age to consume alcohol. The legislation defines consumable hemp products as "derived from hemp, designed to be ingested absorbed or inhaled by humans or animals and does not constitute or contain marijuana or a controlled substance." Products with low THC oil are not included in the provisions and regulations. 

If the bill becomes law, it would require all individuals looking to buy hemp products to show "proper identification" proving they are of legal age with the responsibility of checking to fall on sellers and distributors.

Opposing Stances 

State Senator a supporter of the measure Randy Robertson (R), said "We absolutely have to get out there and protect these children," writes 11 Alive. 

"The studies are showing that not only in Georgia but all over the country that the emergency room visits are up because of the use of these products and the products that are being used in vapes are causing serious concerns within our schools," Robertson added.

Christopher Bruce with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) commented on the measure.

"The issue I have with SB 350 is that raising the age doesn't confront other problems that happen in the state of Georgia," Bruce said. Unfortunately, Georgia has a horrible record of trying to criminalize conduct when they shouldn't,” Bruce said. “And let me be perfectly clear, there are Democrats and Republicans who are signed onto this bill. But again, their purpose is misguided. When it comes down to this, we need the expansion of cannabis for several reasons because we woefully lack in healthcare.” 

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