Georgia is one of the most restricted medical cannabis states in the country. Before asking whether can minors get a Medical Marijuana Card in Georgia, it’s important to understand that Georgia’s program is not a traditional medical marijuana program at all — it is a Low THC Oil Registry, allowing patients to legally possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC cannabis oil. No flower, no edibles, no traditional marijuana is permitted.
In 2026, minor children with qualifying conditions can participate in the Georgia Low THC Oil Registry — but the card is issued to their parent or legal guardian, not to the child directly. This guide covers everything families need to know about Georgia’s program, how it applies to minors, and exactly what it allows.
Georgia’s Low THC Oil Registry: What It Is and Isn’t
Georgia passed Haleigh’s Hope Act (House Bill 1) in April 2015. The law was named after Haleigh Cox, a Georgia child with chronic seizure disorders whose family had to move to Colorado for cannabis treatment. The Act legalized possession of low-THC oil for patients with specified qualifying conditions.
Key program facts:
Low THC oil is defined as cannabis oil with no more than 5% THC by weight and at least an equal amount of CBD
Patients may legally possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil
Possession of marijuana in any other form — flower, edibles, concentrates — remains illegal for all Georgians
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) manages the registry
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GMCC) licenses dispensaries and production facilities
Can Minors Get a Low THC Oil Card in Georgia?
Minors (under 18) cannot be issued a Low THC Oil Registry card in their own name. Under the Haleigh’s Hope Act, registry cards are issued only to:
- Adults 18 years and older with qualifying conditions
- Parents, guardians, or legal custodians of minors with qualifying conditions
- Legal guardians of adults with qualifying conditions
So for a minor patient, the parent or legal custodian applies for and receives the card. The caregiver structure in Georgia is also unique: only legal guardians, legal custodians, or parents of the patient may serve as caregivers. Unlike most other states, Georgia does not allow a patient to designate any trusted adult as a caregiver — it must be their legal guardian or custodian.
Once the caregiver (parent/guardian) is registered, they hold the card and can legally purchase and possess low-THC oil on behalf of the minor.
Qualifying Conditions for Minor Patients in Georgia
Not every qualifying condition in Georgia applies to minors. Some conditions on the state’s list — such as PTSD — are restricted to patients at least 18 years old. The conditions that can apply to minors include:
- Seizure disorders related to epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries
- Cancer (end-stage or treatment producing wasting illness or intractable nausea and vomiting)
- Autism spectrum disorder — when the patient is under 18 AND diagnosed with severe autism (OR when 18 or older)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at end-stage or severe stages
- Crohn’s disease
- Mitochondrial disease
- Multiple sclerosis (severe or end-stage)
- Parkinson’s disease (severe or end-stage)
- Tourette’s syndrome (diagnosed as severe)
- Sickle cell disease (severe or end-stage)
Seizure disorders, cancer, and severe autism are the most common qualifying conditions for pediatric patients in Georgia.
How the Application Process Works for Minor Patients
Georgia’s registration process is handled entirely by the certifying physician — not the patient or family directly. This is one of the most unusual aspects of Georgia’s program.
Step 1 — Consult a Georgia-licensed physician
The physician evaluates the minor patient and determines if they have a qualifying condition. The physician must be fully licensed to practice in Georgia.
Step 2 — Sign the Low THC Oil Waiver
If the physician approves the patient, the family must complete the Low THC Oil Waiver (available from the Georgia DPH) and have it notarized. An online notary service is acceptable.
Step 3 — Provide identification
The patient’s parent/guardian must provide a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID) to the physician.
Step 4 — Physician submits the application
The physician enters both the patient’s and the caregiver’s information directly into the Georgia Low THC Oil Registry maintained by the DPH. Families do not submit their own application — the physician does it for them.
Step 5 — Pay the registration fee
The $30 registration fee (plus a $3.75 processing fee for online payment) may be paid through the DPH’s secure payment portal or by money order.
Step 6 — Receive the card
The DPH ships the Low THC Oil Registry card via UPS to the mailing address on file. A signature is required at delivery. Processing takes approximately 10 business days after payment.
The parent/guardian receives a card as a caregiver. If more than one parent or caregiver needs a card, each caregiver can apply for a separate card at $30 each.
Georgia Low THC Oil Card Costs in 2026
| Card Type | Cost |
| Patient or caregiver card (initial) | $30 + $3.75 processing fee (online) |
| Renewal (every 5 years) | $30 |
| Additional caregiver card | $30 per caregiver |
Georgia’s Low THC Oil Registry cards are valid for 5 years — far longer than most states. This means families are not burdened with annual renewals.
For provider consultation information, visit KIF Doctors’ pricing page.
Where to Buy Low THC Oil in Georgia
As of 2026, Georgia has 14 licensed Low THC Oil dispensaries operating under the GMCC. Senate Bill 16 also allows out-of-state patients with medical marijuana cards from their home states to purchase low-THC oil in Georgia if they have been present in the state for 45 days or longer.
The caregiver must carry their registry card and a valid government ID when visiting a dispensary.
What the Card Does Not Allow
It is critical for Georgia families to understand the limitations:
- The card does not legalize marijuana in any form other than low-THC oil
- Growing cannabis at home is strictly prohibited, even for registered cardholders
- Edibles and smokable cannabis products remain illegal
- Possession of any form of marijuana by an unregistered person remains a criminal offense under Georgia and federal law
When the Minor Turns 18
When the minor patient turns 18, they may apply for their own Low THC Oil Registry card as an adult patient. Their physician must re-certify them and submit the application through the registry system. The parent/guardian caregiver card does not automatically transfer to the minor upon turning 18.
Ready to get certified? Book an appointment with KIF Doctors and speak with a licensed provider today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor in Georgia hold a Low THC Oil card in their own name?
No — Georgia only issues cards to adults 18+, parents/guardians of minors, and legal guardians of adult patients.
Is marijuana legal in Georgia?
Marijuana in its traditional form is not legal in Georgia. Only certified possession of up to 20 fluid ounces of low-THC oil (maximum 5% THC) is permitted for registered cardholders.
Who certifies the patient in Georgia — the family or the doctor?
The physician submits the registration to the Georgia DPH directly. Families provide the notarized waiver and ID to the doctor, and the doctor enters the data into the registry.
How long is a Georgia Low THC Oil card valid?
Five years — one of the longest validity periods of any state. Renewal costs $30.
Can Georgia minors with autism qualify?
Yes — autism spectrum disorder qualifies when the minor is under 18 AND has been diagnosed with severe autism.
Sources
- Georgia Department of Public Health — Low THC Oil Registry
- Georgia DPH — Information for Patients and Caregivers
- Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission — FAQs
