Five New Laws Went Into Effect In Georgia July 1

Five new laws went into effect in Georgia on Monday.

Probably the most controversial was the expansion of Georgia’s Medical Marijuana law.

The law was expanded this past legislative session to include provisions for how THC oil could be dispensed.

Under the expanded law, up to six private companies are now allowed to grow medical marijuana in the State under the supervision of a newly created state licensing board. That also includes allowing the University of Georgia and Fort Valley State University to grow, and manufacture THC oil.

The new board will also oversee and license dispensaries, and pharmacies are now allowed to provide THC oil to patients.
Another new law passed by State lawmakers is House Bill 346, which protects renters from slum lords who try to evict tenants who have complained of poor living conditions.
Under the new law, landlords who retaliate to complaints with an eviction notice will be required to pay one month of the tenants rent, legal costs, $500 in fines and forgive any outstanding debts.

House Bill 282 is another new law that went into effect on July 1.

The new law increases the amount of time that law enforcement agencies are required to preserve certain evidence of sexual assault from 10 years after the incident up to 50 years if there is no arrest.

Also becoming law on Monday was House Bill 217, which expands the laws regarding the needle exchange program in Georgia.

Under the new law, licensed professionals will now be able to sell, exchange and distribute syringes or needles for “legitimate medical purposes,” such as harm reduction counseling, referral services and screening for sexually transmitted diseases.

And finally, House Bill 218 expands the time a Georgia high school or GED graduate can apply for a Hope scholarship from seven years to 10.