In a groundbreaking move, Georgia is set to become the first state in the United States to offer medical marijuana products at independent pharmacies. The Georgia Board of Pharmacy has already started accepting applications, and nearly 120 pharmacies have agreed to stock medication from Botanical Sciences, one of the state’s two licensed production companies.

The medical marijuana will be available to Georgians with physician approval for treating severe illnesses such as seizures, terminal cancers, Parkinson’s disease, and PTSD. Patients will need to show a state-issued low THC oil registry card and identification to make a purchase.

This expansion will significantly increase the accessibility of medical cannabis, adding to the state’s seven existing dispensaries. About 90% of Georgia’s population will be within a 30-minute drive of a pharmacy selling medical marijuana, according to Botanical Sciences.

The move comes after years of regulatory development, with the Georgia General Assembly approving the distribution of low THC oil in 2019. Last month, Governor Brian Kemp approved rules passed by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy, paving the way for pharmacy sales to commence.

For more details, read the full article on PBS NewsHour.