When it comes to hemp-derived cannabinoids, THCa is becoming more popular in the cannabis market. Consumers appreciate its dual nature of providing non-euphoric wellness benefits and its potential to deliver those classic THC sensations. As a result, it’s become very popular across the nation, especially in the south. Georgia residents have especially taken to the cannabinoid. However, Peach State laws may be confusing to some, with many asking, “Is THCa legal in Georgia?”
Cannabis laws, in general, are confusing. State law varies from federal law, and laws differ from state to state. There are also different regulations regarding the origin of the cannabis you consume and the THC levels. Laws are always in flux, and it’s easy to see why people struggle to stay on the right side of the law. But don’t worry. This article will lay out different components of the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, ensuring no room for confusion. We’ll also answer the question: is THCa still legal in Georgia?
What Is THCa?
THCa is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp (Cannabis sativa) and marijuana plants. It does not offer euphoric benefits in its raw form. However, when heated, it undergoes decarboxylation and converts into euphoric Delta 9 THC (commonly known as THC but also known as Delta 9, D9, or D9 THC).
To get more scientific, THCa has a carboxylic acid group that prevents it from interacting with the CB1 receptor in your brain. This endocannabinoid system receptor is responsible for producing euphoric effects when it binds with particular cannabinoids like THC. The carboxylic acid prevents THCa from interacting with the CB1 receptor. When heating occurs, the carboxylic acid is lost, turning THCa into Delta 9 THC, allowing THC to then freely interact with the receptor to produce euphoric benefits.
THCa products offer unique benefits in both their raw and decarboxylated forms. Consuming raw flower may support general wellness, boost energy, ease stress, and promote gentle relaxation. Once decarboxylated into THC, your THCa experience transforms — prepare for uplifting euphoria, deep relaxation, increased appetite (hello, munchies!), and a surge of creative inspiration.
Is THCa Legal in Georgia?
As of this writing, no THCa, is not legal in Georgia. Governor Brian Kemp signed Georgia Senate Bill 494 (SB 494) into law in April of 2024, which defined Delta 9 THC and its biosynthetic precursor THCa as one and the same. Georgia’s SB 494 requires all hemp products to be tested for total Delta 9 THC concentration, which includes both Delta 9 THC and THCa. If the combined concentration of these cannabinoids exceeds 0.3%, the product is deemed illegal.
While THCa hemp flower contains 0.3% or less Delta-9 THC, the combination of this low concentration with a high THCa content — sometimes reaching up to 26% in certain strains — exceeds the state’s updated definition of “total THC content.” This change might come as a surprise to THCa enthusiasts, but cannabis laws in the U.S. are constantly evolving, and shifts like this can happen unexpectedly.
The Difference Between Georgia’s SB 494 and HB 213
SB 494 adds to the confusion about Georgia cannabis laws. The state removed hemp products from the definition of marijuana under House Bill 213 (HB 213), also known as the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, which was signed into law in 2019. Georgia’s HB 213 aligns with the federal Farm Bill, which states all cannabis derived from the hemp flower is legal, providing it has a total Delta 9 THC content of 0.3% or less. If we were to just consider HB 213, THCa products would be legal because they are hemp-derived, and products containing them have a low THC content.
However, this is where Georgia law gets confusing because SB 494 names THCa in the definition of THC as follows: “THC’ means tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, or a combination of tetrahydrocannabinol and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid.” Judging from this definition, THCa is illegal. But in all other aspects, SB 494 aligns with the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, which makes all consumable hemp products with a low THC level legal.
SB 494 also goes on to define hemp as: “the Cannabis sativa L. plant and any part of such plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with the federally defined THC level for hemp or a lower level.”
The Georgia Department of Public Health will test hemp products pre-harvest to ensure they are legal and have acceptable THC levels (THC + THCa at the point of sale) before they are sold.
Overview of Georgia Cannabis Laws
Here are more things you should know to ensure you don’t get in trouble when using THCa in Georgia.
Georgia Possession Laws
Georgia does not have laws regarding how much you possess consumable hemp products. You can carry as much as you wish, whether flower, oil, or hemp-infused food products. However, if law enforcement officers find you carrying cannabis with total THCa + THC levels over 0.3%, you can get in trouble.
Under Georgia law, possession of such products is treated the same as marijuana possession. Possessing up to one ounce is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of more than one ounce is a felony, carrying penalties of one to ten years in prison.
With laws continually evolving, staying informed about current regulations and exercising caution when carrying hemp-derived products in Georgia is a must.
Georgia Medical Marijuana Laws
Georgia does not have a medical marijuana program in place. Rather, it has a medical cannabis program. People with a medical cannabis card can purchase up to 20 ounces of low-THC oil to meet their wellness needs.
“Low THC oil” is defined as cannabis oil containing no more than 5% THC and an equivalent or greater amount of CBD. Patients must have a qualifying and verified medical condition and obtain a Low THC Oil Registry Card from the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Consumer Guidance: Buying and Using THCa in Georgia
THCa is an excellent cannabis product for improving wellness, but you must purchase it from a trusted provider. Given the lack of regulations in the cannabis market, not every provider who sells consumable hemp products is as trustworthy as they would like you to believe. They may offer products that are not as pure and potent as advertised. However, there are key factors to consider when selecting a quality product.
Here are some guidelines to ensure you purchase trusted THCa hemp products.
- Purchase Products with Third-Party Lab Reports. Trusted brands will send their products to third-party labs to test them for purity and potency. Most will post the results on their websites in the form of a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to ensure optimal transparency. If test results are not on the website, you may be able to request them from the company.
- Verify THC Levels to Ensure Compliance. When looking at test results, check THC levels (In the case of Georgia, THC + THCa levels) to ensure they comply with federal and local regulations. However, most reputable hemp retailers will only sell Farm Bill-compliant products.
- Avoid Mislabeled and Unverified Products to Stay Safe. The Georgia hemp industry also mandates specific labeling laws that ensure products are safe. For example, products should have an expiration date and unique identifying batch numbers. If hemp products are mislabeled, avoid purchasing them.
FAQs about THCa Legality in Georgia
Is It Legal To Buy THCa Flower in Georgia?
As of this writing, no, THCa flower is illegal in Georgia. A recent change in Georgia’s cannabis law redefined hemp regulations, capping the total combined concentration of THCa and Delta 9 THC in hemp-based products at 0.3% or less. All hemp-derived THCa strains exceed this amount, so they are considered illegal. This means that state law enforcement agencies can go after you for purchasing or possessing hemp products that have a total Delta 9 + THCa concentration of 0.3% or more.
Does the 2018 Farm Bill Affect THCa’s Legality?
Yes and no. The Farm Bill sets the standard for federal hemp laws. It does not guide state laws. However, many states take their cue from the federal government when creating cannabis laws, which is why so many states align with the Farm Bill. Unfortunately, Georgia’s law differs from the more liberal federal law.
What Are the THC Limits for Hemp-Derived Products in Georgia?
Hemp products must have a THC content of 0.3% or less to be considered legal in Georgia.
Can THCa Be Used for Medical Purposes in Georgia?
Yes, THCa can be used for medical purposes in Georgia. People with a medical cannabis card can purchase THCa and other low-THC hemp products to achieve their wellness goals. Georgia’s medical cannabis program allows registered patients with verified qualifying conditions to purchase up to 20 ounces of low-THC oil, which contains no more than 5% THC and equal or greater CBD content.
How is THCa Tested for Legality in Georgia?
The Georgia government tests THCa products preharvest to ensure they have an acceptable THC level. Doing so ensures they won’t convert to a high-THC product after decarboxylation.
Final Thoughts – Is THCa Legal in Georgia? [The Shocking 2025 Update]
Is THCa legal in Georgia 2025? The answer is, unfortunately, no. In April of 2024, Governor Brian Kemp signed Senate Bill 494, which requires all hemp products to be tested for total Delta-9 THC, including THCa, and deems products with a combined concentration over 0.3% illegal, effectively making all THCa products illegal in the Peach State.
Although you cannot buy THCa in the Peach State, you can consume other derivatives that produce similar effects. For good THCa alternatives, try our hemp-derived Delta-9 THC products. All have a total THC content that is 0.3% or less, without skimping on the elevating feels. Or you could opt for the non-euphoric wellness benefits of THCa by trying CBD. This non-euphoric cannabinoid will deliver balanced wellness all day, every day. Explore our selection of legal Delta 9 THC and CBD products today, and have them conveniently delivered straight to your Georgia home.
Editor’s Note: The information provided on this site is intended solely for general knowledge and should not be interpreted as legal advice or a comprehensive review of current laws. We do not guarantee the accuracy or dependability of the legal details shared here, nor is it designed to influence decisions regarding our products. Laws differ across states and are subject to frequent updates, which means the content may not always reflect the most current legal standards. To ensure compliance, we encourage consulting a qualified attorney in your area or the location where you plan to ship products.
