The law on marijuana changes very frequently, especially with a trend towards legalization in some states. Different states also have different laws about possessing and selling marijuana. In the case of Georgia, traditionally the state has been very strict with regard to the consumption of marijuana and it has been very limited. “Haleigh’s Hope Act”, more formally known as House Bill 1, gives permission for some medical patients to be able to possess cannabis oil.
This blog will provide a brief overview into where the law currently stands on marijuana in Georgia, and what charges you can expect to face if you are suspected of possession or distribution.
Georgia in comparison to other states
Only a handful of states in the nation have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. The rest have made it totally illegal for recreational purposes, with around half of these allowing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Georgia is placed on the stricter end of the spectrum; however, it is more lenient in its tendency to offer alternative sentencing programs for offenders.
Georgia marijuana statutes
The Controlled Substance Act makes it illegal for marijuana to be possessed or sold in the state of Georgia, regardless of the state that it was obtained in. Possession of less than 1 oz will result in a misdemeanor, 1-10 oz will result in a felony and possession of over 10 oz is considered as possession with the intent to sell, which will be five years jail time and a minimum $100,000 fine.
Source: Findlaw, “Georgia Marijuana laws,” accessed Sep. 01, 2017