Georgia elections are almost here!

Georgia is one of only 19 states that still jails people for possession of small amounts of cannabis. It is undecided as to what will happen to the state’s limited consumable hemp market when federal regulations change in December 2026. 

Possession of even a single joint (and up to one ounce) remains a misdemeanor offense, punishable with up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1000 — even though more than half of Americans live in legalization states. Last year, Georgia arrested 10,743 individuals for possession of cannabis. It is worth noting that many cities, including Atlanta, have implemented decriminalization ordinances.

In 2026, the medical program was finally expanded into what MPP considers a comprehensive medical program. While still very strict, including a ban on smoking botanical cannabis, the program has grown since SB220 became law earlier this year. You can find the voting record of your state rep/senator here. Note: legalization or decriminalization bills were not granted committee hearings in the General Assembly.

In the 2025 legislative session, SB33 was passed, which heavily curtailed hemp-derived THC products in Georgia. The law went into effect in May 2026. You can find the voting records of your legislators here. 

This fall, voters will have an opportunity to decide who represents them in the state capitol. While MPP did not have the bandwidth to survey candidates for the state legislature, we were able to highlight the two top-polling gubernatorial candidates' policy stances on cannabis. 

Keisha Bottoms (D) has not made cannabis policy reform part of her campaign. However, as a City Councilperson, she voted to decriminalize cannabis in 2017. As Mayor of Atlanta, she signed further executive orders in 2020 aimed at eliminating city jail bonds for low-level marijuana offenses, effectively aligning city enforcement to minimize jail time for small amounts of cannabis.

We could not find public comments from Rick Jackson (R) on his policy stance on cannabis, whether it be on medical, decriminalization, or adult-use. He has not held public office before, so there is no opportunity to evaluate a voting record.