Compassionate Candidate Georgia
GMCS holds candidates accountable to patients. Through our Compassionate Candidate program, we evaluate, endorse, and amplify Georgia candidates who commit to meaningful medical cannabis reform.
What Is Compassionate Candidate Georgia?
Compassionate Candidate Georgia is GMCS's nonpartisan candidate evaluation and endorsement program. We assess candidates for the Georgia General Assembly and statewide offices on their positions regarding the Low THC Oil Registry, dispensary access, qualifying conditions, and patient rights. Candidates who meet our threshold receive a GMCS Compassionate Candidate designation — a signal to Georgia's patient community that this candidate has committed to their care.
Nonpartisan
We evaluate candidates across party lines based solely on their policy positions and commitment to patients.
Evidence-Based
Our questionnaire is grounded in the lived experiences of Georgia patients and the documented barriers they face.
Patient-Centered
Endorsements are driven by patient advocates, not political operatives. Patients vote on final designations.
Transparent
All questionnaire responses and endorsement decisions are published publicly on this page.
How the Evaluation Process Works
Candidate Questionnaire
Candidates complete a written questionnaire covering registry access, qualifying conditions, dispensary licensing, caregiver rights, and research funding.
Patient Advocate Review
GMCS's patient advocacy council reviews responses and scores candidates against our policy framework.
Community Input
GMCS members and the broader patient community are invited to submit questions and feedback before final decisions.
Endorsement Decision
Candidates meeting our threshold receive the Compassionate Candidate designation. Results are published here and shared with our member network.
Our Policy Priorities
We evaluate candidates on their positions regarding these core patient access issues:
- Expanding the list of qualifying conditions for the Low THC Oil Registry
- Increasing the number of licensed dispensaries across Georgia
- Reducing the cost and complexity of physician certification
- Strengthening caregiver rights and access provisions
- Funding state-level medical cannabis research
- Protecting patients from employment and housing discrimination
Current Endorsements
2026 Election CycleEndorsements Coming Soon
Endorsements for the 2026 election cycle will be published as candidate evaluations are completed. Check back as the filing deadline approaches.
Get Involved
Are You a Candidate?
Request our candidate questionnaire to begin the evaluation process. Completing the questionnaire does not guarantee endorsement.
Request QuestionnaireNominate a Candidate
Know a candidate who should be evaluated? Submit their name and contact information and we will reach out.
Submit a NominationJoin the Pressure Squad
Coordinate with other patients to contact candidates and legislators about medical cannabis access.
Join the Pressure SquadCompassionate Candidate Georgia is an educational and advocacy program of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. GMCS does not make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. Endorsements reflect candidate positions on medical cannabis patient access only and do not constitute support for any candidate's broader platform.
Hold Candidates Accountable
Join the Pressure Squad and coordinate with other Georgia patients to ask candidates where they stand on medical cannabis access.