The Marijuana Landscape in Georgia: Rising Potency, Expanding Access & Recovery | GFRC July 2026

The Georgia Faith & Recovery Collaboration (GFRC) welcomed Michael Mumper of Georgians for Responsible Marijuana Policy for its July 2026 session. Mumper examined Georgia’s rapidly changing marijuana landscape and what it means for individuals, families, faith communities, and those in recovery. Mumper explained how today’s marijuana differs significantly from the marijuana of previous decades, particularly in potency, product forms, and accessibility. He explored the growing availability of THC through medical cannabis, hemp-derived products, gummies, beverages, and vapes, as well as the confusion surrounding what is legal, what is intoxicating, and what these changes mean for public health and recovery. Key themes include: • The dramatic increase in THC potency and availability • Georgia’s changing medical cannabis landscape • The differences between marijuana, hemp, THC, and CBD • Youth access and concerns surrounding developing brains • The relationship between marijuana use, mental health, and addiction • Why “legal” or “medical” does not necessarily mean safe • How THC can become a substitute coping mechanism in recovery • The importance of faith and recovery communities responding with compassion, clarity, and connection One important reminder from this session: “Legal or medical does not always mean safe.” Mumper also emphasized the important role churches, treatment providers, recovery organizations, and families can play in education, early intervention, and creating safe pathways for people to seek help. He encouraged greater collaboration across prevention, treatment, and recovery so individuals and families are better supported throughout the continuum of care. These sessions are designed for pastors, therapists, ministry leaders, recovery professionals, prevention specialists, parents, and anyone seeking to better understand the changing marijuana landscape and its impact on Georgia communities. Recorded at EpiCenter in Fayetteville, Georgia. #GFRC #FaithAndRecovery #AddictionRecovery #MarijuanaAwareness #SubstanceUsePrevention #RecoverySupport