Georgia’s “Low THC Oil Registry” is now up and running, a first for our state. While the science surrounding low THC cannabis oil has not yet been settled, the creation of this registry is good news for families who had moved out of Georgia to provide this oil to their very sick children. We can all agree their ability to reunite here at home is a blessing.
As one might imagine, setting up the registry was no simple task. First the Department of Public Health (DPH) had to address the requirement in HB 1, or the “Haleigh’s Hope Act,” that physicians certify their patients suffer from one of eight conditions. Working closely with the Georgia Composite Medical Board — which created a waiver for patients to sign (acknowledging this product is not FDA approved) and a certification form for physicians to fill out — we developed an electronic system that allows doctors to input patient information quickly and securely through an online portal.
Simultaneous to that, DPH designed the Low THC Oil Registry Card in-house, using an outside company to assist with security features. The cards themselves are a special paper/plastic hybrid material similar to what insurance companies use, requiring special printers for production. Featured prominently on the front is a toll-free number law enforcement officials can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to verify the person carrying the card is allowed to do so under the new law. Preventing fraud and abuse was always at the forefront of our minds.
A lot of time and thought went into the development of the cards and the registry. DPH’s communications team developed the cards and worked on outreach. Our IT experts built the electronic registry. The State Office of Vital Records is responsible for printing and distributing the cards. Our Inspector General continues to work with law enforcement on training. This was a team effort, and a shining example of a state agency working quickly and efficiently to deliver the best product possible to the people of Georgia.
All of this leads, of course, to the question: “How do I get a card?” The basic steps to obtaining one are as follows:
1. Patients and caregivers of patients who believe they may be eligible should consult with their physician about the possibility of obtaining a card allowing them to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of low THC oil within the state of Georgia.
2. If approved by the physician, the patient or patient’s caregivers’ information will be entered into DPH’s secure “Low THC Oil Registry” and a card(s) will be issued.
3. Patients and caregivers will be notified when the cards are ready for pickup (within 15 business days) from one of several public health offices geographically spread around the state.
“Low THC Oil Registry” cards cost $25 – the standard fee for obtaining a vital record in Georgia – and will be valid for two years from the date issued. After that time, cardholders will need to again consult with their physician about their continued eligibility and to request that they update and confirm their information into the registry. You can learn much more on our website: www.dph.ga.gov.
I am immensely grateful to my team for the effort they put forth to create a secure procedure and cards that will allow those who meet the criteria to possess low THC oil legally. I have heard other states have taken 2-3 years to get their registries running and medical marijuana cards in the hands of those who qualify. Georgia did it in a fraction of that time, just two months.
Families are returning to Georgia. When all else has failed, patients now have another treatment option available to them. Much research remains to be done about the true effectiveness of medical cannabis, and what, if any, are the longer term effects of its use. But when asked how I think DPH did in implementing HB 1, I would say Georgia is ready.
About the Author
