Georgia to tighten drug-related laws with new legislative amendments

The Georgian Parliament is set to review a series of legislative amendments aimed at tightening responsibility for drug-related offenses, including those involving cannabis and marijuana.

Eight draft laws have been submitted, introducing changes to the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses, and laws on organized crime and racketeering. The amendments establish stricter criminal liability for the illegal manufacture, production, transportation, and sale of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their analogues.

Administrative penalties will also be tightened for the illegal possession, purchase, or use of small amounts of narcotics without a prescription.

Additionally, the amendments define the concept of drug trafficking and clarify who can be classified as a family member or close associate of a drug trafficker. The proposed changes also specify what will be considered the property of a drug trafficker.

Under the new regulations, individuals convicted under certain provisions of the Code of Administrative Offenses may face restrictions for up to five years on driving, working in public service, and handling weapons.