Georgia tightens cannabis laws with stricter penalties for possession, distribution

Georgia's Parliament has approved a series of legislative amendments tightening regulations surrounding cannabis possession, cultivation, and distribution. The changes, passed in the third and final reading under an expedited procedure on Wednesday, affect multiple laws including the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Offenses.

Under the new framework, first-time offences involving small quantities - defined as up to 10 grams of raw cannabis or cannabis plant, and up to 5 grams of dried marijuana - will now incur administrative penalties. Repeat offences, however, will trigger criminal liability, carrying punishments ranging from fines and community service to imprisonment of up to one year.

Possession of amounts exceeding these thresholds is now punishable by significantly harsher sentences. Those found with 10 to 155 grams of cannabis plant, 5 to 70 grams of dried marijuana, or 10 to 150 grams of raw marijuana face up to six years in prison. In cases involving illegal production, manufacturing, shipment, or transportation, sentences range from three to seven years.

The penalties increase with the quantity involved. Possession of what is defined as a "large quantity" - between 155 and 750 grams of cannabis plant, 70 to 250 grams of dried marijuana, or 140 to 500 grams of raw marijuana - carries a sentence of five to eight years, while related production or trafficking offences may result in six to nine years of imprisonment.

The law introduces especially severe punishments for possession of "particularly large" quantities: over 750 grams of cannabis plant, 500 grams of raw marijuana, or just 50 grams of dried marijuana. Offenders in such cases may face eight to twenty years in prison, or even life imprisonment.

The legislation also enforces stricter rules on the sale of cannabis-related substances.