Why it matters: The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced that the number of medical cannabis patients in the state is actually much lower than previously reported. The inflated numbers were due to anomalies in the registry data, including duplicate cards, expired cards, deceased patients, and patients counted as caregivers. This discovery raises questions about the accuracy and reliability of the state’s medical cannabis program.
What they are saying: DPH spokesperson Nancy Nydam explained that an audit of the medical cannabis registry has been ordered to rectify the inaccurate numbers. The DPH has also acknowledged similar data collection mistakes in other areas, including COVID-19 numbers. The CEO of a medical cannabis dispensary expressed disappointment in the inaccurate information and called for increased awareness of the industry and access to therapeutic products for patients.
The big picture: Georgia’s medical cannabis program, which started in 2015, permits the use of medical cannabis to treat certain conditions but lacks protections for patients, particularly in terms of employment accommodations. The number of active patients and caregivers has significantly decreased following the discovery of inflated numbers. The DPH plans to address the issue of deceased patients being counted as cardholders and improve its data analysis process to remove expired cards.
What to watch: The DPH’s audit of the medical cannabis registry and its efforts to update and improve the system will be important to watch. The accuracy and reliability of the data are crucial for maintaining trust in the medical cannabis program. It will also be worth monitoring how this discovery may impact patient access and the overall perception of the industry in Georgia.
My take: The revelation of inflated medical cannabis patient numbers in Georgia raises concerns about the effectiveness and integrity of the state’s program. Accurate data is essential for understanding patient needs, ensuring access to care, and making informed policy decisions. The DPH’s efforts to address these issues through an audit and improved data analysis are commendable. However, it is unfortunate that patients and caregivers have been misrepresented, and there is a need for increased transparency and accountability in the management of the medical cannabis program.
