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As Georgia expands access to low-THC medical cannabis for individuals with qualifying medical conditions, older adults and their caregivers are increasingly seeking clear, trustworthy information. Yet confusion and stigma still surround cannabis-based medicine. Education is essential to ensure Georgia’s seniors, families, and care providers understand what is legally available, how it can be used safely, and how it fits into a comprehensive care plan.
At LeadingAge Georgia, we believe informed decisions lead to better outcomes. By providing evidence-based education on medical cannabis, we can help senior living providers, healthcare professionals, and older adults navigate this evolving landscape with confidence. From understanding Georgia’s low-THC oil program to recognizing potential benefits, risks, and interactions with other medications, education ensures that medical cannabis is approached responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with each individual’s health goals and quality of life.
Medical cannabis is increasingly recognized as beneficial in treating several conditions common among older adults, including:
Research suggests that medical cannabis may avoid harmful effects on the liver and kidneys often associated with traditional medications.
Medical Marijuana: Dr. Kogan’s Evidence-Based Guide to the Health Benefits of Cannabis and CBD by Dr. Mikhail Kogan, geriatrician and integrative care specialist at George Washington University School of Integrative Health.
Currently, cannabis remains a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. Therefore, medical cannabis containing THC is not permitted in:
Georgia allows the use of Low THC Oil (20 fluid ounces or less) for qualifying conditions under O.C.G.A. §16-12-1910. Individuals must have a medical cannabis card issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Qualifying Conditions Include:
Only purchase medical cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries. These products are tested in a central Georgia lab.
How to Obtain a Medical Cannabis Card
A physician certified by the Georgia Department of Public Health must:
1. Have an established doctor-patient relationship
2. Be treating the patient for one of the qualifying conditions
Georgia allows the use of Low THC Oil (20 fluid ounces or less) for qualifying conditions under O.C.G.A. §16-12-1910. Individuals must have a medical cannabis card issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Qualifying Conditions Include:
While the field is growing, medical cannabis is still emerging as a treatment option. Georgia pharmacists and physicians are becoming more educated, but expert guidance is currently limited.
Recommendation: Consult with a physician or pharmacist on:
Tip: Dr. Kogan’s book offers clinical guidance on appropriate use and dosing.
Education is Key! Consider offering education for:
On-demand webinar on medical cannabis and older adults by Dr. Kimberly Curseen, board certified internist, geriatrician and palliative care physician with Emory School of Medicine. The webinar, which is part of an education initiative of the Georgia Institute on Aging (educational arm of LeadingAge Georgia), was made possible by a grant from the RRF Foundation on Aging and available through July 23, 2028, on the SOWEGA AHEC website. Click Here to Register
RRF Foundation for Aging for funding this educational initiative that provided medical cannabis education for physicians, nurses, staff in long-term care and older adults.
Dr. Adrienne Mims, RRF Foundation for Aging board member, for her vision and recognizing the value of providing medical cannabis education for those who support older adults in considering medical cannabis as a treatment option.
LeadingAge Georgia and the Georgia Institute on Aging board members for having the vision to be the trusted voice for elders in Georgia and supporting pioneering medical cannabis education to support older adults who choose medical cannabis as a treatment option.
Medical Cannabis Education Pioneers: LeadingAge Georgia members Park Springs, Peachtree Hills, Canterbury Court, Lenbrook, King’s Bridge Retirement, and Woodland Ridge for being leaders in innovation, who welcomed medical cannabis education in their long-term care communities; Perry Kemp, executive director of PALT Med of Georgia for recognizing the importance of providing medical cannabis education for medical directors; and Kimberly Curseen, MD, internist, geriatrician and palliative care specialist with Emory University and Mikhail Kogan, MD, geriatrician and integrative care specialist with George Washington University for the outstanding cutting edge education they provided on medical cannabis for physicians, nurses, staff in long-term care and older adults.
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