Road To Legalization: Is Weed Legal In Georgia?

To put it bluntly, no, weed is not currently legal in the state of Georgia.

However, there has been a recent push to decriminalize possession of small amounts of the drug. If this measure passes, it would mean that possession of up to an ounce of marijuana would no longer be a criminal offense in the state. This would be a major step forward for drug policy reform in Georgia.

Currently, possession of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense in the state of Georgia. Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. 

Possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is a felony offense, punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. The sale or distribution of marijuana is also a felony offense in Georgia, punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. Cultivation of marijuana is also a felony offense in Georgia, punishable by up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

The push to decriminalize weed in Georgia is being led by a group of state lawmakers who believe that the current policy on the drug is outdated and counterproductive. They point to the fact that African Americans are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession in the state, despite the fact that usage rates are similar across racial groups. 

They also argue that the criminalization of weed leads to more crime, as people who are arrested for possession often turn to selling the drug in order to make money.

If you’re caught with weed in Georgia, you’re currently facing up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, if the decriminalization measure passes, those penalties would be greatly reduced. Possession of up to an ounce of marijuana would be punishable by a $100 fine, and there would be no jail time. This would bring Georgia’s policy on weed in line with many other states that have already decriminalized the drug.

The group of state lawmakers is also working on getting a medical marijuana bill passed in the state. If this measure passes, it will allow patients with certain medical conditions to use marijuana for therapeutic purposes. These medical conditions include cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, and Crohn’s disease.

So, is weed legal in Georgia? Not yet, but it may be soon if state lawmakers have their way.