DEA Warning Puts Brakes on Georgia’s Plan for Medical Marijuana Dispensed by Pharmacies

The DEA’s warning that it violates federal law hinders Georgia’s proposal to become the first state to allow pharmacies to supply medical marijuana. Despite the Georgia Board of Pharmacy licensing 23 independent pharmacies to dispense medicinal marijuana, the DEA banned it on November 27 for violating federal law.

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

DEA Issues Warning to Georgia’s Marijuana Pharmacy Plan 

Despite state legislation allowing pharmacists to administer medicinal marijuana, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission admits it cannot overrule the federal decision. The commission wants pharmacists to counsel on medicinal cannabis products like other drugs.

The DEA’s directive states that pharmacies cannot own, handle, or distribute marijuana or related items with more than 0.3% THC. The DEA considers goods with THC above 0.3% unlawful under federal drug law, although Georgia permits medicinal marijuana products with up to 5% THC for particular medical purposes.

Since 2015, Georgia has allowed low-THC medicinal cannabis for specific ailments. Before April, the product was illegal to buy in the state. Anti-marijuana legalization organization Smart Approaches to Marijuana published the DEA notice online, highlighting state-federal conflicts.

READ ALSO: Federal Agency Quashes Georgia’s Plan to Let Pharmacies Sell Medical Marijuana

Pharmacists lament the regulatory discrepancy between dispensaries and pharmacies. State and federal laws contradict each other, putting pharmacies in a tough situation. The Georgia Pharmacy Association promises to help businesses navigate this complex subject.

The Georgia Pharmacy Association, a marijuana legalization opponent, believes the DEA’s position protects consumers and permits additional study. Unlike medicinal marijuana, people trust pharmacy medications to be completely vetted, FDA-approved, and nationally lawful, according to Michael Mumper of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy. Marijuana might be downgraded from Schedule I to Schedule III by the federal government.

READ ALSO: Georgia will be first state with medical marijuana in pharmacies