Today we’d like to introduce you to Georgia Medical Cannabis Society’s Director Of Operation
Hi Georgia Medical Cannabis Society’s Director of Operation, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) was born out of a personal journey of struggle, healing, and a mission to help others. It began when Yolanda “The Herbal Trucker” Bennett, a truck driver by trade, faced a life-altering health decline that left her unable to continue the career she loved. The loss of her ability to drive, coupled with chronic pain, led her into a deep depression, where she felt as though there was no way forward.
A good friend recognized the need for a solution and introduced Yolanda and her wife Angela who was also experiencing pain to medical cannabis. Cannabis brought not only physical relief but also mental clarity and a renewed sense of hope, saving Yolanda’s life during a time when she had nearly given up.
This personal transformation led the couple to attend a free educational event hosted by Dr. Rasean Hodge. The knowledge they gained at this event was profound, offering more valuable information than any paid events they had previously attended. It was here that Yolanda and Angela saw the need for accessible education and patient support within the medical cannabis community. Many patients, like Yolanda, struggled to navigate Georgia’s low-dose THC program, and resources were either scarce or expensive.
Driven by their experience, Yolanda and Angela co-founded the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society to fill these gaps. The goal was clear: to create an organization that not only provided free or discounted services to patients based on their income or ability to pay but also ensured that no one left an event or interaction feeling underserved. GMCS was founded on the principle that cost should never be a barrier to care, and that education should be accessible to everyone who needs it.
Since its inception, GMCS has operated as a 501c3 nonprofit, focused on guiding patients through the complexities of Georgia’s medical cannabis system. The organization offers assistance with obtaining medical cannabis cards, while also providing educational resources and hosting events that leave patients feeling empowered and well-informed.
Through its work, GMCS continues to advocate for patients, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need as they navigate the state’s evolving cannabis laws.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey for the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) has been anything but smooth. One of the primary challenges we faced early on was Georgia’s lack of a true medical cannabis program. Instead, the state operates a low-dose THC program, which severely limits patient access to cannabis products. This restriction has created confusion and frustration for patients seeking more effective forms of treatment. The absence of legal dispensaries until 2023 made it even harder for patients to legally obtain low-dose THC, leaving many without viable options.
Even with dispensaries now open, the cost of low-dose THC products is a significant barrier. Many patients find these products too expensive, further limiting access to necessary treatment. On top of that, Georgia’s registry does not include flower, a form of cannabis that many patients prefer due to its effectiveness and affordability. The exclusion of flower continues to be a major point of contention for patients and advocates alike.
Another struggle has been navigating Georgia’s confidentiality laws. Under the state’s low-dose THC program (OCGA § 31-2A-18), the Department of Public Health is prohibited from sharing the list of doctors who are authorized to recommend low-dose THC oil. This makes it difficult for patients to find providers who can help them obtain their medical cannabis cards, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging process.
Despite these obstacles, GMCS has remained committed to supporting patients. We offer free or discounted services based on income or ability to pay, ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to access. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on education—not only to inform patients about their options but also to help eradicate the stigma surrounding cannabis. Educating the community is key to dispelling myths and misconceptions, and we believe that by doing so, we can help shift public perception and foster greater acceptance of cannabis as a legitimate medical treatment.
While Georgia’s low-dose THC program has many limitations, GMCS continues to advocate for better access and a more comprehensive approach to cannabis legislation. Our work is focused on helping patients navigate these barriers while educating the public and changing the narrative around medical cannabis in Georgia.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS), we are dedicated to serving patients first. As a grassroots organization, our motto is “patients over profits,” and everything we do reflects that commitment. We specialize in helping patients navigate Georgia’s low-dose THC program, providing them with the support and education they need to make informed decisions about their health.
What sets us apart is our authenticity and genuine care for patients, because we are patients ourselves. This personal connection to the cause means that we fully understand the challenges and frustrations people face. Our work is rooted in compassion and firsthand experience, which allows us to create meaningful relationships with the communities we serve. We’re not just providing a service; we’re building a supportive, patient-centered community.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our ability to evolve while staying true to our mission. GMCS is always growing, but we never lose sight of why we started: to ensure patients have access to the care and information they deserve. Our growth is focused on positive change through education. We believe that by empowering patients with knowledge, we can help reduce the stigma around cannabis and push for better laws and regulations in Georgia.
We’re known for our high standards, ensuring that every patient feels heard, supported, and cared for. Whether through patient advocacy, hosting educational events, or providing guidance on navigating the state’s cannabis program, we remain committed to our mission of positive, patient-centered growth. What makes us stand out is our unwavering focus on the well-being of the people we serve, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The success of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (GMCS) has been a collective effort, and we’re incredibly grateful to the many individuals, partners, and supporters who have contributed along the way. It would be difficult to single out specific people without unintentionally leaving someone out, as every contribution—no matter how big or small—has played a role in helping us get to where we are today.
Whether it’s been through direct support, mentorship, advocacy, or simply believing in our mission, we value every effort that has helped move our organization forward. Each person and partner who has worked with us has brought something unique and important to our journey, and we deeply appreciate them all. While we respectfully decline to name individuals to avoid any feelings of exclusion, we are incredibly thankful to everyone who has played a part in GMCS’s success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://georgiamcs.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/GMed_Cannabis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMCS710
- Twitter: https://x.com/Gmed_Cannabis
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gmed_cannabis
Image Credits
1] Attendees to the Pressure Play Workshop 1st session
2] Connection with our Canadian colleagues
3] Advocating at the Capitol with other organizations like New Georgia Project
4] Tarps N Tents giveaway in partnership with Sahaa CBD
5] Press Conference for HB 797 and SB 495
6] GMCS Action Team Coordinator Kristina Flores and Minority Caucus Chairman Rep. Billy Mitchell during Cannabis Legislation Day
7] GMCS Action Team with State Rep. Long Tran
8] Director of Veterans Outreach Stanley Atkins, II, with Chief of Staff Melanie Jacobson during Cannabis Legislation Day
9] Candid shot at the educational series at Puffapalooza 2024 Macon
10] Educational panel during Puffapalooza
11] Hosted Thunder Walker Experience
12] Compassion In Action Podcast with special guest Dr. Felicia Dawson
13] Thunder Walker Interview
14] Group shot of the team during the Thunder Walker Experience tour in Atlanta
