Georgia cannabis Archives

Republic of Georgia Decriminalizes Cannabis After Court Rules Criminalization to be Unconstitutional

November 30, 2017November 30, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

The Republic of Georgia’s constitutional court has ruled that it is unconstitutional to criminally prosecute someone for consuming cannabis.

“Cannabis consumption has been decriminalized today,” says attorney Iago Khvichia, who represents the political party Girchi. “It will soon be decided whether [consumption] will be legalized”. The ruling doesn’t, however, effect the distribution of cannabis.

The ruling comes from a case brought forth by Givi Shanidze, a Georgia citizen who has been charged with several cannabis consumption offenses; Shanidze’s case was an attempt to have these charges cleared from his criminal record.

Georgia Senate Committee Passes Bill to Greatly Reduce Marijuana Possession Penalties

March 2, 2017 by Anthony Martinelli

**Georgia’s Senate Judiciary Committee has passed a measure that would significantly reduce the penalties associated with possessing small amounts of marijuana.**

Senate Bill 105, filed by Senator Harold Jones (D), would reduce the penalty associated with possessing up to a half ounce of cannabis from a potential one year prison sentence, to a maximum fine of $300 with no jail time.

The measure would also alter the penalty for possessing one to two ounces of cannabis.

Under current law possessing over an ounce of marijuana is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison (with a mandatory sentence of a year). Senate Bill 105 would make it so that possessing one to two ounces is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail (as would possessing half an ounce to an ounce).

Georgia Marijuana Possession Laws

July 29, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Georgia Marijuana Possession Laws:

1 ounce or less:

Penalty: Misdemeanor with up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000.

More than 1 ounce:

Penalty: Felony with 1 to 10 years in prison (1 year mandatory minimum) and a maximum fine of $5,000.

For further information on Georgia marijuana laws – including penalties for distribution and cultivation – click here. For recent updates to Georgia marijuana possession laws and other Georgia–related stories, click here.

Georgia: Legislation to Decriminalize Cannabis Introduced

February 22, 2016February 22, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Georgia State Representative LaDawn Jones (D-Atlanta), along with three cosponsors, has introduced legislation to decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of cannabis.

Under the proposed law – House Bill 1046 – those caught possessing up to an ounce of cannabis in Georgia would no longer be arrested and charged with a criminal misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to a year. Instead, a ticket of no more than $250 could be administered for a first offense, $500 for a second offense and $750 for a third and subsequent offense. No number of offenses would result in jail time.

Georgia’s High Court Rules Imprisonment for Cannabis Possession is Unconstitutional

November 11, 2015November 9, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

In the case of Beka Tsikarishvili v. Parliament (application 592), the Constitutional Court of Georgia has ruled that it’s unconstitutional to imprison someone for purchasing and possessing cannabis for personal use.

In 2013, Beka Tsikarish was arrested and charged for purchasing and having in her possession 65 grams of cannabis. The court ruled that imprisoning her violates Article 17 § 2 of Georgia’s Constitution, which states that; “No one shall be subjected to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment”.

Georgia Senate Votes 54 to 1 to Approve Medical Cannabis Bill

March 13, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Georgia’s Senate has voted 54 to 1 to approve a bill that would allow for the use of cannabis extracts in the treatment of epilepsy. The bill is a far more restrictive version of a measure approved by Georgia’s House of Representatives last month with an 158 to 2 vote.

The sole no vote on the Senate bill, Senator Curth Thomson, calls the measure “virtually worthless” as it only allows for the possession and use of low-THC cannabis oil, and doesn’t authorize anyone but those with epilepsy to consume the medicine. Thompson has recently filed both a broader medical cannabis bill, and a bill to legalize cannabis for recreational use.

Bill to Legalize Recreational Cannabis Filed in Georgia

March 4, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

Georgia State Senator Curt Thompson has filed a constitutional amendment which would legalize the possession, use and state-licensed distribution of recreational cannabis. The proposal also addresses the medical use of cannabis by allowing patients to purchase the medicine tax-free.

Under Senator Thompson’s proposal, the possession of up to two ounces of cannabis would be legal for those 21 and older. Cannabis retail outlets would be established as a means of safe access to the substance.

Medical Cannabis Bill Passed by Georgia House of Representatives with 158 to 2 Vote

February 26, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

A proposal to legalize the medical use of cannabis extracts has been passed by Georgia’s full House of Representatives with an overwhelming 158 to 2 vote.

House Bill 1, titled the Haleigh’s Hope Act, would legalize the possession and use of up to 20 ounces of cannabis extracts for those with certain medical conditions who receive a recommendation from a physician, and subsequently register with the Department of Public Health. The cannabis extracts must contain no more than 5% THC.

Proposal to Legalize Cannabis Filed in Georgia Senate

November 25, 2014November 24, 2014 by Anthony Martinelli

Georgia State Senator Curt Thompson has filed a constitutional amendment aimed at legalizing recreational cannabis for everyone 21 and older.

Senate Resolution 6 will be considered by the state’a Legislature when it reconvenes on January 12th. If approved by lawmakers, it will be placed on the ballot to be voted on by the people before becoming law.