Georgia GreenScapes: Senate Bill 33 – Defending the Science of One Plant, One Future

Uniting Hemp and Cannabis to Protect Georgia’s Industry and Communities

The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) is committed to protecting the integrity and future of Georgia’s hemp and cannabis industries. As Senate Bill 33 looms, we face yet another legislative challenge that risks further fracturing our already fragile industry. The ongoing separation of hemp and cannabis is not just a political construct—it’s a rejection of scientific truth. Cannabis is one plant, and it’s time we stand together to educate legislators and demand policies that reflect reality.

This article explores the implications of Senate Bill 33 for farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers while providing the scientific foundation to unify hemp and cannabis under one plant. Together, we can create a future where affordable access, innovation, and fairness thrive.

Cannabis Is One Plant: The Science

Scientifically, cannabis is classified as a genus with three primary species:

1. Cannabis sativa:The most commonly cultivated species, encompassing both hemp and cannabis used for recreational and medical purposes. It is known for its tall, thin structure and high levels of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
2. Cannabis indica:Shorter and bushier, indica varieties are often associated with relaxation and are known for their higher CBD-to-THC ratio.
3. Cannabis ruderalis:A lesser-known species, ruderalis is hardy and low in THC, often bred into hybrids for its ability to flower based on age rather than light cycles.

The distinction between “hemp” and “cannabis” is purely legal, not biological:

• Hemp: Defined as cannabis with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight.
• Cannabis/Marijuana: Defined as cannabis with THC concentrations above 0.3%.

The problem: These definitions are arbitrary and do not account for the complexity of cannabinoids or the plant's genetics. Both hemp and cannabis share the same genus, species, and potential to provide therapeutic and economic benefits.

Senate Bill 33: What It Proposes

Senate Bill 33 aims to tighten regulations on hemp products in Georgia:

1. 0.3% THC Cap:Maintains an outdated, restrictive THC limit, limiting innovation in hemp-derived products.
2. Full Panel Testing:Requires manufacturers to test for cannabinoids, contaminants, and more annually, with results made publicly available.
3. Labeling and Inspections:Mandates a THC warning sticker and full product composition labels, with random inspections by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
4. Penalties:Introduces misdemeanor charges and product disposal for non-compliance.

Impact Across the Ecosystem

1. Farmers

Effect: Senate Bill 33 increases the risk of losing crops to compliance issues. THC levels in hemp plants can fluctuate due to environmental factors such as soil, water, and weather, making it nearly impossible to guarantee compliance with the arbitrary 0.3% THC cap.

What’s at Stake?

• Reduced farming opportunities and higher costs for compliance testing.
• Potentially fewer hemp farmers in Georgia, weakening the local supply chain and threatening the state’s agricultural economy.

2. Processors

Effect: Processors face increased costs for mandatory full panel testing. These costs will inevitably trickle down to retailers and consumers, squeezing already tight margins and reducing the competitiveness of Georgia-made hemp products.

What’s at Stake?

• Smaller operations may be forced to shut down, creating a bottleneck in the supply chain.
• Loss of opportunities to produce innovative products, such as edibles or high-potency therapeutic products.

3. Retailers

Effect: Retailers will bear the brunt of compliance enforcement, including random inspections. The additional costs passed down from processors and manufacturers will make products more expensive, limiting access for consumers.

What’s at Stake?

• Reduced product variety on shelves as manufacturers struggle to meet regulatory demands.
• Higher prices driving consumers to unregulated, potentially unsafe alternatives in the illicit market.

4. Consumers

Effect: Consumers are at the heart of this issue. Many Georgians rely on hemp-derived products for therapeutic purposes, particularly those who do not qualify for Georgia’s restrictive medical cannabis program or cannot afford dispensary prices.

What’s at Stake?

• Restricted access to affordable, safe, and effective products.
• Loss of therapeutic options for patients seeking relief from pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more.

Hemp and Cannabis: Coexisting for a Better Future

The division between hemp and cannabis is not only scientifically unfounded but harmful to the progress of both industries. By treating hemp and cannabis as one plant, we can:

1. Expand Accessibility:Hemp products offer affordable alternatives for those who cannot access or afford medical cannabis.
2. Foster Innovation:A unified approach allows for the development of diverse cannabinoid products tailored to consumer needs.
3. Reduce Stigma:Educating lawmakers and the public about the science of cannabis can break down misconceptions and build support for broader reform.

Call to Action: Advocacy and Education

To prevent the mistakes of SB 494 from repeating, we must act now:

1. Educate Legislators:Share the science of cannabis as one plant and explain the real-world impact of over regulation.
2. Advocate for Fair Regulations:Demand a more reasonable THC cap that reflects the plant’s natural variability and therapeutic potential.
3. Unify Stakeholders:Farmers, processors, retailers, and consumers must work together to present a united front against harmful legislation.

The Bigger Picture

Senate Bill 33 isn’t just about regulations—it’s about the future of Georgia’s hemp and cannabis industries. If we allow the continued separation of hemp and cannabis, we risk not only stifling innovation but also denying consumers access to affordable, life-changing products. Let’s stop dividing the plant and start embracing its full potential.

Authored by Yolanda “The Herbal Trucker” Bennett, Co-Founder of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS), for the "Georgia Green Scapes" series. Dedicated to informing and empowering the cannabis and hemp community.

For more updates and advocacy efforts, visit www.georgiamcs.org.

Support the Fight for Fair Cannabis and Hemp Laws

The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) has been on the frontlines advocating for responsible cannabis and hemp legislation that protects farmers, consumers, and patients. Our mission is clear: to ensure that Georgia’s cannabis laws are fair, transparent, and work for the people, not against them. But we can’t do this alone.

Your support is crucial in helping us continue our efforts to fight harmful legislation like SB 494 and to ensure that Georgia’s cannabis industry thrives while protecting patients' rights and privacy. By donating to the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society, you’re directly supporting grassroots efforts, advocacy, and education aimed at shaping a future where cannabis laws are built with compassion and fairness.

Donate today to help fund our advocacy work and join us in making a lasting impact. Every dollar goes toward legislative outreach, patient education, community workshops, and legal defense to protect the rights of our citizens. Together, we can push for change and protect Georgia’s hemp and cannabis communities.

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