Inspections
Inspections and testing will be conducted in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 2-23-1 et seq and with rules written by the Department. In compliance with Georgia law, the Department will randomly inspect and test consumable hemp products available for purchase at retail establishments to ensure compliance.
Non-Compliance
Products Failing Inspection or Testing
- Products without the Department approved THC warning sticker/universal symbol, or the label or QR code containing the information from the product’s COA shall be disposed of in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 2-23-1 et seq.
- Products containing a total delta-9-THC concentration in excess of the legal limit, containing on or more contaminants in excess of the maximum levels established by the Department through rule, or containing a composition that is materially different than what is shown on the COA shall be disposed of in compliance with O.C.G.A. § 2-23-1 et seq.
- Any person found in violation of O.C.G.A. § 2-23-9.1 will be guilty of a misdemeanor
Penalties for Operating Without a License
- A civil remedy with fines up to $5,000.00 for each violation.
- Each day that an individual or business entity operates without the required license, permit, or registration will be a separate violation. (O.C.G.A. § 2-23-4.1)
- Any person that intentionally operates in Georgia without the requisite license, permit, or registration will be guilty of:
- A misdemeanor for a first offense; AND
- For the second offense, be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. (O.C.G.A. § 2-23-4.1).
- NOTE: The Department may utilize any or all remedies at its discretion.
Georgia Department of Agriculture Role
Hemp
The Department regulates the production, processing, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sale of hemp and hemp products.
Low-THC Oil
The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (GAMCC) regulates the cultivation, processing and retail sale of low-THC oil.
Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division
About
The Department has historically operated with a law enforcement division; however, the Department's Law Enforcement Division was disbanded in 2013. Immediately upon taking office, Commissioner Harper began the process to have the Department's Peace Officer Standards and Training Council ID reinstated. Georgia Department of Agriculture Officers assist local, state, and federal agencies with investigations including animal cruelty, labor trafficking, drug trafficking, and agro-terrorism. The Law Enforcement Division will play an active role in hemp inspections and in the enforcement of Georgia’s hemp statutes.