About us

About GMCS

The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to education, advocacy, and equitable access to medical cannabis for all Georgians.

GMCS members and Georgia cannabis patient advocates gathered at the Georgia State Capitol for Georgia Cannabis Legislation Day 2024 — Georgia Cannabis Legislation Day 2024 — GMCS and patient advocates at the Georgia State Capitol

Our Story

The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization committed to education, advocacy, and equitable access to medical cannabis. Founded in response to the growing needs of patients across Georgia, GMCS recognized the critical barriers—particularly financial ones—facing indigent individuals seeking relief through medical cannabis.

Originally established to help low-income patients access essential cannabis oil, our mission evolved in response to federal legal constraints. Today, we focus on providing education, advocacy, and support for those navigating complex state and federal laws. We do not sell or manufacture any cannabis products. Instead, we advocate for accessible care, promote scientific understanding, and connect patients with trusted resources in full compliance with Georgia law.

GMCS team members at a community education event, holding the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society banner — GMCS community engagement — patients and advocates working together

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to empower individuals by providing education, advocacy, and support to ensure equitable access to care—especially for underserved communities—while promoting a deeper understanding of holistic, plant-based wellness options. We are guided by our core principle: "Patients Over Profits."

"Patients Over Profits"

Our work centers on:

Veterans
Seniors
Low-income individuals
People with disabilities
The formerly incarcerated

Who We Are

Education & Advocacy in Action

GMCS shows up at the Georgia Capitol fighting for patients and in community spaces educating Georgians about medical cannabis — because real change requires both.

GMCS advocates speaking at the Georgia State Capitol podium — Advocacy at the Georgia State Capitol

GMCS speaker presenting at Fernbank Museum educational event — Community Education at Fernbank Museum

GMCS panelists and attendees at the 2HW Holistic Health and Wellness Summit — 2HW Holistic Health & Wellness Summit

GMCS team members at a community outreach event, engaging patients and the public at an outdoor booth — GMCS community outreach

GMCS community meeting attendees — patients, caregivers, and advocates gathered outside the Stone Springs Branch Library in Flowery Branch, Georgia — GMCS community meeting — Flowery Branch, GA

Our Core Values

Education

We provide accurate, accessible information about medical cannabis to patients, caregivers, and the community.

Advocacy

We fight for policies that prioritize people over politics, ensuring patient voices are heard in the legislative process.

Equitable Access

We work to remove financial and systemic barriers so every qualifying Georgian can access the care they need.

Stigma Reduction

We eliminate stigma through education and storytelling, normalizing plant-based wellness options.

Community Support

We connect patients with trusted resources and build a compassionate community of advocates.

Compliance

All our work is conducted in full compliance with Georgia law and in service of our patients.

Executive Board Members & Program Directors

The people guiding GMCS's mission, programs, and advocacy.

Executive Board

Angela S. Weston, MS, MBA, MCST

Co-Founder | President and Board Chair | Director of Education

Angela, a native of Louisiana, is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. As a medical cannabis patient herself, Angela witnessed firsthand the financial barriers facing indigent patients seeking access to cannabis oil — and founded GMCS to address them. She leads GMCS's education programs and strategic direction.

Yolanda Bennett

Co-Founder | Vice Chair | Director of Operations, Social Justice and Advocacy

Yolanda Bennett was forced out of the logistics industry due to her medical condition and damage to her organs and skeletal system caused by prescribed pharmaceuticals. She was freed from them by cannabis, and her advocacy began. As Co-Founder of GMCS, Yolanda oversees operations, social justice initiatives, and advocacy efforts. She is also the voice behind the CannaShame Podcast, dedicated to removing the stigma associated with cannabis use and normalizing this healing plant.

Crystal C. Griffin, BBA

Executive Secretary | Executive Board

A native of Georgia, Crystal is a graduate of Georgia Northwestern Technical College and received her BBA from Shorter University. She is a medical language specialist and medical assistant, bringing professional healthcare communication expertise to GMCS operations.

Chelby Hamilton

Executive Board | Director of Communications

Strategic Communications and Public Engagement

Chelby Hamilton serves on the GMCS Executive Board and leads the organization's strategic communications and public engagement efforts. She works to amplify GMCS's mission, connect with communities across Georgia, and ensure that patients and advocates have access to clear, accurate information about medical cannabis education and policy.

Board of Directors

Kyle Brown, MBA

Board Member | Director of Contracts and Procurement

Kyle Brown serves as Director of Contracts and Procurement at GMCS. He holds an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School and brings a rich background in operations management. Prior to GMCS, Kyle managed a global procurement budget of $60 million at Cummins, Inc. At GMCS, he oversees all procurement activities and contract negotiations, ensuring every partnership advances the organization's mission.

Stanley "CanniMedic" Atkins II

Board Member | Director of Veterans Services

Stanley Atkins II is a US Navy Veteran (ret.), Firefighter Paramedic, and CEO of The Good Medic LLC. Known as "The CanniMedic," he is the Georgia Chapter President of Minorities for Medical Marijuana and an educator with Veterans for Cannabis. He has been featured on The Young Turks and Vice, and has worked avidly to help shape the Georgia Medical Cannabis program.

Kristina Flores

Board Member | GMCS Action Team Coordinator

Kristina Flores is a devoted mother, visionary activist, and founder of 420 Doulas. With over ten years of activism — including roles with Greenpeace and the Center for Popular Democracy — she has been a dynamic force in cannabis advocacy. Her advocacy focuses on maternal health, cannabis policy reform, and community education across Georgia.

Support and Auxiliary Leadership

Shan Hamilton

Community Outreach & Engagement Coordinator

Become a GMCS Member

Join the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society and connect with a patient-centered community focused on education, research, advocacy, healthcare engagement, and responsible medical cannabis policy.

Apply for Membership

Media Coverage

Featured In

Media coverage does not constitute endorsement by the publishing outlet.

Georgia Public Broadcasting
Georgia Recorder
Marijuana Moment
Cannabis Business Times
Atlanta News First
Voyage ATL

See GMCS in the News

Mailing Address: 2847 Veterans Memorial Hwy SW, Unit 1414, Austell, GA 30168

Georgia Medical Cannabis Society does not sell or manufacture medical cannabis. GMCS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cannabis education, advocacy, and patient support. We are not a government agency or affiliated with any government entity.