Georgia Doctors Urge Veto of Medical Marijuana Bill

Critics say the proposed legislation removes key safeguards, while supporters argue it expands patient access.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:03am

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A group of medical professionals in Georgia is urging Governor Brian Kemp to reject Senate Bill 220, which would make major changes to the state's medical marijuana laws. While supporters say the bill would expand access for patients, critics are concerned it removes important safeguards and could lead to increased risks of addiction, psychosis, and other health issues.

Why it matters

The debate over Senate Bill 220 highlights the ongoing tensions between expanding access to medical marijuana and ensuring patient safety. As more states legalize cannabis, there are concerns from some healthcare providers about the potential mental health impacts, especially with the introduction of higher-potency products.

The details

The bill, passed by the Georgia legislature last week, would lift THC potency limits, allow new forms such as vaping, and shift toward dosage-based regulation for registered patients. Critics, including psychiatrist Dr. Karen Drexler and internal medicine physician and psychiatrist Dr. Elizabeth McCord, argue that these changes could pose serious risks to Georgians' mental health. They cite examples of marijuana-induced psychosis and other negative outcomes. However, the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Mark Newton, who is also a physician, says the legislation emphasizes precise dosing, strengthens doctor oversight, and keeps use controlled.

  • The Georgia legislature passed Senate Bill 220 last week.
  • Governor Brian Kemp is expected to decide whether to sign or veto the bill in the coming days.

The players

Brian Kemp

The Governor of Georgia who will decide whether to sign or veto Senate Bill 220.

Dr. Karen Drexler

A psychiatrist who is urging Governor Kemp to veto the bill, citing concerns about the mental health risks of increased access to high-potency marijuana products.

Dr. Elizabeth McCord

An internal medicine physician and psychiatrist who has also joined the call for Governor Kemp to reject Senate Bill 220, warning of the potential for detrimental outcomes to both mental and physical health.

Rep. Mark Newton

The sponsor of Senate Bill 220, who is also a physician. He argues the legislation emphasizes precise dosing, strengthens doctor oversight, and keeps use controlled.

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What they’re saying

“'I'm convinced, as a psychiatrist, that schizophrenia doesn't start in one's 50s, that this was cannabis-induced.'”

— Dr. Karen Drexler, Psychiatrist

“'I think a lot of Georgians are going to suffer. I think we're going to see detrimental outcomes for both mental and physical health.'”

— Dr. Elizabeth McCord, Internal Medicine Physician and Psychiatrist

“'It's still a controlled substance, and Georgia takes that seriously. We want to make sure doctors and patients take it very seriously.'”

— Rep. Mark Newton, Bill Sponsor and Physician

What’s next

Governor Kemp is expected to decide whether to sign or veto Senate Bill 220 in the coming days.

The takeaway

The debate over Senate Bill 220 highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing expanded access to medical marijuana with ensuring patient safety, especially when it comes to the potential mental health impacts of higher-potency products. As more states legalize cannabis, these types of policy decisions will continue to be closely watched by healthcare providers and the public.