Many people are asking if marijuana will become legal in Georgia this year. While there is talk about changes at the federal level, the state is not expected to legalize recreational marijuana in 2026.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is considering rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This change would acknowledge that cannabis has medical uses and is less dangerous than drugs like heroin. However, this federal move does not automatically make recreational marijuana legal in individual states.
In Georgia, the reality is different from the national buzz. Recreational legalization is neither one of the new laws taking effect at the start of the year nor a top priority for the upcoming session.
Instead of full legalization, Georgia lawmakers are focusing on small changes to the existing medical program. A “blue ribbon” committee has been studying how to expand the low-THC oil program. Bills from last year that didn’t pass can “carry over” to the 2026 session. These discussions are about medical access and regulating hemp products, not about allowing recreational use.
While federal marijuana possession rules might change, Georgia’s laws currently remain the same.
