Hemp Program

Highlights

• Updated Hemp Program Information

  Notice to New Hemp License Applicants

  Please note that GDA has received a significant quantity of license, permit, and registration applications. GDA is actively processing these applications, but also simultaneously aiding Georgia’s emergency response to the devastation from Hurricane Helene. Please reference our statement on enforcement priorities and timing below

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  Enforcement Guidance

  Senate Bill 494 goes into full effect on October 1, 2024. As such, starting October 1, 2024, there will be a zero-tolerance policy for noncompliance with O.C.G.A. § 16-12-241 regarding the sale or provision of consumable hemp products to individuals under 21 years of age.

  However, the Department understands that Senate Bill 494 enacts other major changes to the hemp and hemp products industry in Georgia. Accordingly, over the 90-day period following October 1st, the Department intends to prioritize educating consumers and market participants on the new law. During this period, the Department intends to utilize its enforcement discretion when appropriate to bring individuals and businesses into compliance with revised licensing and product requirements found in the Georgia Hemp Farming Act, O.C.G.A. § 2-23-1 et seq. and the Department’s regulations, GA. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-32-1 et seq.

  The statement in no way authorizes behavior in conflict with Georgia law and is solely intended to provide both market participants and consumers clarity on the requirements of Georgia law and the Department’s regulations as they take full effect on October 1st. 

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  Frequently Asked Questions Georgia Hemp Program

  Memo: Georgia Department of Agriculture Hemp Program Rules

  Georgia’s Rulemaking Process

• New Hemp License Types Now Available!

  We are thrilled to announce that all new hemp license types are now available:

  • Hemp Grower License
  • Hemp Laboratory Registration
  • Hemp Manufacturer License
  • Hemp Processor Permit
  • Hemp Retail Consumable Establishment License
  • Hemp Wholesale Consumable Hemp License

  If you're ready to apply or renew your hemp license, simply use the Apply or Renew button at the top of this page.

  For more information on these license types, including requirements and application instructions, please see the Programs and License Types section below.

• In the News
  1. Miller Amendment 
  2. Rescheduling of Marijuana
     1. Justice Department Formally Moves to Reclassify Marijuana as a Less Dangerous Drug in Historic Shift (AJC)
     2. Justice Department Submits Proposed Regulation to Reschedule Marijuana (DOJ Press)
  3. Local News
     1. Gov. Kemp Signs Hemp Regulation Bill
     2. Kemp Signs Farm Package
• Important Recalls and Updates

  U.S. FDA & FTC Warning on Copycat Food Products Containing Hemp

  On Wednesday, July 17, the United States Food and Drug Administration and Federal Trade Commission issued warning letters to five companies selling food products containing Delta-8 THC that mimic chips, candies, and snacks from popular national brands. These products are often referred to as “copycat” food products, and the warnings serve as a part of the FDA and FTC’s continuing joint effort to take action against companies selling illegal copycat food products containing delta-8 THC.

  

  

   

  Introducing these products into the marketplace is in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and upon Georgia Senate Bill 494’s October 1, 2024, effective date, will be in violation of Georgia law as well.

  To read the FDA News Release in its entirety, please visit their website: FDA, FTC Continue Joint Effort to Protect Consumers Against Companies Illegally Selling Copycat Delta-8 THC Food Products.

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  Diamond Shruumz Recall

  As of September 4, 2024, test results are available for 10 Diamond Shruumz-brand Infused Cones and have been summarized in the Sample Results section.

  As of August 30, 2024, a total of 158 illnesses have been reported from 32 states; 63 have been hospitalized, and there are two potentially associated deaths. Samples of the Diamond Shruumz-brand Cones and Gummies have also been collected and testing and analysis is ongoing.

  This advisory will be updated as additional information becomes available.

  On June 12th, 2024, the CDC issued an alert using the Health Advisory Network (HAN # 509) regarding several reports of severe illness potentially associated with consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand chocolate bars, infused cones, and micro- and macrodose gummies.

  On June 28th, 2024, the manufacturer, Prophet Premium Blends, issued a recall stating that these products contain Muscimol.

  

  Prophet Premium Blends Recalls Diamond Shruumz Products Because of Possible Health Risk
  Prophet Premium Blends of Santa Ana, California is recalling Diamond Shruumz Infused Cones, Chocolate Bars, and Gummies (Micro- and Mega/Extreme-Dose), because such products contain Muscimol, a chemical found in mushrooms of the genus Amanita; Muscimol could be a potential cause of symptoms consiste
  www.fda.gov

   

  As of June 28, 2024, thirty-nine cases have been reported, including twenty-three hospitalizations across twenty states.  

  A variety of severe health effects have been reported after consuming Diamond ShruumzTM brand products, including seizures, decreased level of consciousness, and respiratory failure. Other symptoms people have experienced include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hallucinations, uncontrolled movements, abnormal heart rate (e.g., too fast or too slow), high or low blood pressure, excessive sweating or secretions, and flushed skin

  Contact your health care provider or Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222) if you have symptoms.

  Additional Information

  • https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00509.asp
  • https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-studies/outbreak-investigation-diamond-shruumz-products/index.html
  • https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/prophet-premium-blends-recalls-diamond-shruumz-products-because-possible-health-risk
  • https://www.cdc.gov/environmental-health-studies/outbreak-investigation-diamond-shruumz-products/index.html
  • https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-illnesses-diamond-shruumz-brand-chocolate-bars-cones-gummies-june-2024
• Important Deadlines

  2024 Hemp Program Deadlines

  2024 Annual Reporting 
  Licensed Hemp Growers must report all Plantings, Harvests, and Disposals by December 1st of each year. We strongly recommend growers submit reports throughout the year to GDA. Remember, site reporting must be completed BEFORE renewing for 2025. Renewals will open on November 1st.

  FSA Reporting Due July 31, 2024 
  Licensed Hemp Growers are required to provide crop information to the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). You must obtain your field numbers through your local FSA office by July 31, 2024. Please visit USDA FSA Offices in Georgia if you are unsure how to contact your local FSA office.

• About this Program

  About this Program

  The Georgia Hemp Farming Act was passed in 2019. This Act allows hemp cultivation and processing within the state. Individuals or businesses may obtain a Hemp Grower License or Hemp Processor Permit and are subject to the Georgia Hemp Grower and Processor Rules. License or permit holders must renew every year they wish to grow or process hemp in.

  Upon obtaining a license or permit, holders are subject to additional program requirements including:

  • Sampling and Laboratory Testing
  • Disposal or Remediation of Non-Compliant Hemp
  • Compliance Inspections
  • Farm Service Agency (FSA) Reporting (Growers only)
  • GDA Planting and Site Reporting (Growers only)
  • Other requirements as described in the Act and the documents below