The State of Georgia has created a perplexing and frustrating landscape for cannabis  consumers and the hemp industry. While the sale of hemp flower is banned statewide,  marijuana has been decriminalized in several cities, leading to significant confusion. In  

these cities, possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana results in a fine rather than  harsher penalties. But here’s the big question: Where are consumers supposed to  obtain flower legally? 

Let’s unpack the mixed messages from the state and how Senate Bill 494 is  inadvertently pushing consumers toward unregulated black-market products. 

The Confusion: Hemp Flower Ban vs. Marijuana Decriminalization 1. The Hemp Flower Ban 

Under Georgia law, the sale of hemp flower is prohibited. This includes any raw hemp  material that could be smoked, despite it being federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.  The justification for this ban is often linked to difficulties in distinguishing between Hemp  and Marijuana in law enforcement scenarios. Prohibiting the sale of Hemp flower in  Georgia puts more focus on the Georgia MMJ program which again only offers a 5%  THC oil. Hemp sales outweighed the Georgia MMJ sales greatly in 2024 and banning  the flower will only lead to more financial gain for Georgia’s 5% THC oil that is currently  provided. 

For the hemp industry, this ban is a significant blow. Hemp flower is one of the most  sought-after products for consumers looking for a natural, non-psychoactive way to  experience the benefits of cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. By outlawing its sale,  Georgia has restricted access to a legal product that is both safe and beneficial. 

2. Marijuana Decriminalization in Select Cities 

While hemp flower is banned, marijuana has been decriminalized in cities like Atlanta,  Savannah, and Macon. In these areas, possession of 1 ounce or less results in a fine  ranging from $50 to $75, rather than criminal charges. Decriminalization has reduced  

penalties, but it raises a glaring question: Where are consumers supposed to get  marijuana legally if the sale of flower remains illegal in Georgia? 

This patchwork of policies leaves consumers in a bind. Marijuana is still illegal at the  state level, and hemp flower—a legal alternative—is banned. This contradictory  framework forces many consumers to make risky choices. 

The Black Market Problem: Pushed by Senate Bill 494

Senate Bill 494, which introduced stricter regulations for cannabis products in Georgia,  has unintentionally driven consumers toward the black market. By banning the sale of  hemp flower, S.B. 494 has removed a regulated option for individuals seeking cannabis  in a legal form. Here’s how this impacts consumers and the industry: 

• No COAs (Certificates of Analysis): Unlike regulated hemp flower, black market marijuana does not come with Certificates of Analysis (COAs), which  provide critical information about potency, cannabinoid content, and the presence  of contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals. Consumers purchasing black market products have no way of knowing what they’re ingesting or inhaling. 
• Safety Concerns: The black market is rife with potential risks, including products  laced with harmful additives. Without regulation, consumers face unknown  dangers that could harm their health. 
• Economic Losses: The hemp industry in Georgia is missing out on a significant  revenue stream due to the flower ban. Local farmers, retailers, and businesses  could benefit from legal hemp flower sales, but the state’s restrictive policies  prevent this. 

Mixed Messages and the Consumer Dilemma 

The contradictions in Georgia’s cannabis laws create a lose-lose scenario for both the  hemp industry and consumers. On one hand, hemp flower—a federally legal product— is banned, cutting off access to a safe, regulated option. On the other hand, marijuana  has been decriminalized in certain cities, but consumers have no legal means of  

obtaining it. This policy gap leaves many Georgians with little choice but to turn to the  black market, where products are unregulated and potentially dangerous. 

The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters 

The confusion caused by Georgia’s cannabis policies is more than just an  inconvenience. It raises critical issues about public safety, economic opportunities, and  regulatory fairness: 

• Public Safety: By pushing consumers toward the black market, the state is  inadvertently exposing them to untested, potentially harmful products. • Economic Growth: Georgia is missing out on the chance to foster a thriving  hemp industry that could create jobs and generate tax revenue. 
• Consumer Rights: The lack of legal, regulated access to flower leaves  consumers without safe options, undermining their ability to make informed  decisions. 

Conclusion: Georgia Needs Clarity in Cannabis Policy

Georgia’s hemp flower ban and marijuana decriminalization policies send mixed  messages that leave consumers and the hemp industry in a state of confusion. Senate  Bill 494 has only added to this complexity by restricting access to safe, legal hemp  products and driving consumers toward unregulated black-market flower. 

At Alpine Dispensary, we remain committed to offering high-quality, federally compliant  hemp-derived products to our customers. While we do not sell hemp flower, we believe  in advocating for clearer, fairer policies that prioritize consumer safety and support the  hemp industry. 

For more information about our products or to learn more about cannabis laws in  Georgia, visit us in Helen, GA, or explore our website. Together, we can navigate this  complex landscape and push for better solutions.