Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At Botanical Sciences, we grow, extract and craft medical cannabis with one goal: delivering the highest quality relief. From careful cultivation to our clean, nearly flavorless THC oils, every step is designed for purity, consistency and patient trust. Our rigorous testing and quality control ensures Georgia patients receive safe, effective products they can rely on.
What is medical marijuana?
Medical marijuana refers to cannabis-derived products that are used for their therapeutic effects. It can be used to manage stress, mood swings, sleep disruptions, loss of appetite, chronic pain, and nausea. Medical marijuana is regulated by state law and is prescribed based on specific health needs.
What are the qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Georgia?
In Georgia, qualifying conditions for medical cannabis include serious or chronic illnesses such as cancer-related pain, AIDS/HIV, Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, Autism, Chronic Pain, Crohn’s Disease, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Seizures, Hospice, Mitochondrial Disease, Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, Peripheral Neuropathy and Tourette’s Syndrome. Patients must have a diagnosed condition listed under Georgia’s medical cannabis law and obtain certification from a registered physician.
What are disqualifying factors for a medical cannabis card?
Disqualifying factors include not having a qualifying medical condition, not being a Georgia resident or failing to provide necessary documentation such as proof of identity and residency.
What is Needed?
● Proof of Georgia residency (e.g., driver’s license)
● Valid government-issued ID
● Physician certification form
● Completed and notarized waiver form
Is medical cannabis covered by insurance in Georgia?
Currently, insurance does not cover medical cannabis. However, assistance options will be available for those who are eligible.
What’s the difference between hemp-derived and THC-derived products, and what’s legal in Georgia?
Hemp-derived products come from hemp plants containing 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC by dry weight. In Georgia, hemp-derived CBD products and some Delta-8 or Delta-10 THC products are legal and widely available, provided they meet state and federal guidelines.
THC-derived products come from cannabis plants with more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. In Georgia, these products are not legal for recreational use. However, low-THC oil (with no more than 5% THC) is legal for registered medical cannabis patients with qualifying conditions under Georgia’s Low THC Oil Program.
How much medical cannabis can patients legally possess in Georgia?
Registered patients and caregivers in Georgia are legally permitted to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil, provided they hold a valid Low THC Oil Registry Card issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The oil must be in a pharmaceutical container labeled by the manufacturer, indicating it contains no more than 5% THC.
What medical cannabis products are available for purchase in Georgia?
Georgia permits registered medical cannabis patients to access low-THC oil products containing no more than 5% THC.
Approved product forms include:
● Oils and Tinctures: Liquid extracts administered orally or sublingually.
● Capsules: Oral pills containing measured doses of low-THC oil.
● Topicals: Creams, lotions or transdermal patches applied to the skin for localized relief.
Are vape or smokable products available in Georgia?
No, smokable cannabis and vape products are not legal in Georgia. Only low-THC oil products are permitted for medical use.
Is there a limit to how much you can buy under Georgia law?
Yes, patients and caregivers can possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil, provided they have a valid Low THC Oil Registry Card.
Can my employer discriminate against me for using medical cannabis?
While Georgia law provides legal access to medical cannabis, it does not prevent employers from enforcing drug-free workplace policies. It’s important to understand your employer’s policies and consult legal advice if you believe you’re being unfairly discriminated against.
Is home cultivation of cannabis allowed in Georgia?
No, personal cultivation of cannabis is illegal in Georgia. Only licensed producers are authorized to grow cannabis for medical use.
Who can provide me with medical certification?
A licensed physician registered with the Georgia Department of Public Health can provide medical certification for a Low THC Oil Registry Card.
Can veterans receive medical cannabis?
Yes, veterans with qualifying conditions can receive medical cannabis in Georgia. However, federal law prohibits VA physicians from prescribing it. Veterans must consult with a private physician for certification.
Can caregivers purchase products for you?
Yes, registered caregivers can purchase medical cannabis products on behalf of a patient, provided they have a valid caregiver card and the patient has a Low THC Oil Registry Card.
Are CBD tinctures better than CBD capsules for beginners?
If you’re new to CBD, tinctures might be a better option. Since tinctures absorb quickly into your bloodstream, their effects don’t take long to show. However, both options offer precise dosage control and a discreet way to take CBD.
Are medical marijuana lozenges and capsules psychoactive?
Medical marijuana lozenges and capsules can be psychoactive depending on their THC content. CBD products containing high levels of THC have psychoactive effects.
Can I cook with medical marijuana products?
Yes, you can cook with medical marijuana products. CBD oils and tinctures are commonly used in cooking. They can be added to salad dressings, cold drinks, dips, and much more. However, you should avoid cooking with medical marijuana products at high temperatures, as this can reduce their effectiveness.
Can I travel out of state with medical marijuana?
No, you can’t travel out of state with medical marijuana. However, you may be able to purchase and use medical marijuana in states that practice reciprocity, meaning they recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. To avoid legal consequences, make sure to check the regulations of the state you’re traveling to.
Can I use medical marijuana and still pass a drug test?
No, you won’t pass a drug test after consuming medical marijuana since most drug tests can detect THC in your system. THC can stay in your body for days or weeks, depending on how frequently you take it.
Do I need approval from a doctor to use medical marijuana?
Yes, you need approval from a doctor to get a medical marijuana card, which will allow you to purchase and use medical marijuana. A doctor needs to confirm you have a qualifying condition before you can apply for a medical marijuana card.
Does Botanical Sciences offer medical marijuana card consultations?
Botanical Sciences can connect you with a licensed doctor to schedule a medical marijuana card consultation. To apply for a Georgia medical marijuana card, book an appointment with one of our providers.
How can CBD and THC help with symptom management?
CBD and THC can help manage symptoms in different ways. THC is known for pain relief, nausea control, and appetite stimulation, while CBD is useful for managing anxiety, inflammation, and sleep disruptions. These compounds work by binding with specific receptors in the brain to trigger the release of feel-good chemicals and alter pain perception, offering relief and pain management from symptoms associated with various medical conditions.
How can I choose the right THC: CBD ratio for my condition?
Choosing the right THC: CBD ratio depends on your tolerance and preferences. High-CBD products work best for relaxation, pain relief, and sleep enhancement. High-THC products are ideal for mood enhancement, nausea reduction, and appetite stimulation. A balanced THC: CBD ratio can alleviate symptoms and provide mild psychoactive effects. If you’re new to medical marijuana, you should consult dispensary staff before you purchase products that contain THC.
How can I safely store medical marijuana products?
You should store medical marijuana products in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency. Once opened, keep products in airtight containers to protect them from moisture.
How do I know if a medical marijuana product is full-spectrum or an isolate?
You can check the product label to see whether it’s full-spectrum or an isolate. A full-spectrum product will contain a range of cannabinoids and possibly terpenes as well, whereas an isolate will contain only one cannabinoid.
How do I know if medical marijuana is working for me?
If medical marijuana is working for you, you will notice positive changes in your health, including a reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life.
How do I purchase medical marijuana products from Botanical Sciences?
To purchase medical marijuana products from our medical marijuana dispensaries in Georgia or partner locations, you will need a medical marijuana card. Once you have your card, you can browse our products online and place an order for pickup. Alternatively, you can visit one of our locations and have our dispensary staff assist you in finding the right product.
How does medical marijuana interact with other medications?
Medical marijuana products can amplify the effects of certain medications, leading to a number of unwanted side effects. To prevent a dangerous interaction, you should always consult your doctor before integrating medical marijuana into your routine.
How long do the effects of medical marijuana last?
The effects of medical marijuana can last for approximately 6 to 12 hours, depending on the type of product and individual factors like metabolism and tolerance.
How long does it take for medical marijuana products to take effect?
The time it takes for medical marijuana to kick in depends on the type of product you use. Edibles and capsules usually take around 30 minutes to an hour to kick in. Tinctures take around 15 to 45 minutes, while topicals can take 10 minutes to an hour.
Is Botanical Sciences a licensed medical marijuana dispensary?
Yes, Botanical Sciences is a licensed medical marijuana dispensary. As Georgia’s first physician-owned medical cannabis provider, we focus on producing high-quality products that undergo rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness. We cater to a range of needs with our extensive selection of marijuana products.
Is buying medical marijuana from dispensaries legal in Georgia?
Yes, buying medical marijuana from dispensaries is legal in Georgia if you have a valid medical marijuana card from the Low THC Oil Registry.
Can I use THC and CBD together as a beginner?
Whether you’re a beginner or a regular user, it’s safe to use THC and CBD together. CBD may balance out the psychoactive properties of THC to help achieve a more moderate effect.
Is it safe to consume medical marijuana products every day?
Consuming medical marijuana products every day may not be a safe approach. Long-term use on a daily basis can exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase the risk of developing a dependency.
What are the benefits of medical marijuana?
Some of the potential health benefits of medical marijuana include:
- Nausea and vomiting control
- Pain relief
- Muscle spasm relief
- Sleep improvement
- Appetite stimulation
- Relaxation
- Mood enhancement
What’s the difference between smoking marijuana and taking marijuana edibles?
When you smoke marijuana, the psychoactive compounds in it travel to your lungs and are absorbed directly into your bloodstream, where they are transported to your brain. When inhaled, marijuana can take effect in seconds or a few minutes. However, it’s important to note that this form of consumption is illegal in Georgia, which only allows the use of oil products containing less than 5% THC. Edibles, on the other hand, are taken orally and pass through your digestive tract before entering your bloodstream and traveling to your brain. This means they take longer to kick in but have longer-lasting effects.
What types of medical marijuana products are available at Botanical Sciences?
Which conditions can benefit from medical marijuana?
Here are some of the conditions that can benefit from medical marijuana:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- Chronic pain
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Migraine
- PTSD
Which THC and CBD products are best for pain relief?
THC and CBD topicals are best for localized pain (pain in one part of the body). However, edible products are better for generalized pain (pain all over the body).
Which THC and CBD products are best for stress and anxiety?
Medical marijuana products with a high CBD and low THC concentration are ideal for managing stress and anxiety. This combination can promote relaxation without strong psychoactive effects.
What does “intractable pain” mean in Georgia’s medical cannabis context?
“Intractable pain” refers to chronic pain that cannot be effectively managed with standard medical treatments. It is a qualifying condition under Georgia’s medical cannabis law.
How long does it take to receive a Georgia Low THC Oil Registry Card?
After approval, the Georgia Department of Public Health mails your registry card within 10 to 15 business days. You can have it delivered to your home or pick it up at a nearby Public Health Office.
How can I travel within Georgia with medical cannabis safely and legally?
Always carry your registry card and government photo ID when traveling around Georgia with your medical cannabis. The transportation of these products across state lines is a federal felony, regardless of where you head. Some states allow out-of-state cardholders to make purchases from their dispensaries through reciprocity programs, so it’s best to do your research beforehand.
How should new patients approach the dosing of cannabis to minimize its side effects?
New patients should start with the lowest available dose and increase gradually over time. Your body’s metabolism, the product type, and your specific medical condition determine how much you’re going to need. Tracking your doses and responses in a journal helps identify what works best for you. If you take edibles, wait at least two hours before taking more, since they take longer to take effect than other forms of cannabis.