The feds reject Georgia's medical marijuana pharmacy law

Federal drug officials advise Georgia to abandon its plans to become the first state to allow pharmacies to sell medical marijuana.

News outlets report that the DEA warned pharmacies on Nov. 27 that dispensing medical marijuana is illegal.

The Georgia Board of Pharmacy began accepting product dispensing applications in October. The board said 23 Georgia independent pharmacies have licenses.

Despite state law allowing pharmacies to dispense medical marijuana, the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission said it can't override the federal directive.

The DEA wrote to pharmacies that they cannot possess, handle, or dispense marijuana or related products with more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol.

Patients in Georgia can buy medical marijuana with up to 5% THC. Recreational marijuana is usually stronger.

The DEA considers cannabis products with THC above 0.3% marijuana, making them illegal under federal drug law.

Since 2015, Georgia has allowed low-THC medical cannabis for certain illnesses and physician approval. They could not legally buy the product in Georgia until April.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 24 states allow recreational marijuana use. Another 23 allow medical cannabis.

Smart Approaches to Marijuana, which opposes legalization, posted the DEA notice online.

Opponents of marijuana legalization said the DEA's position will protect consumers and allow more research.