Changing Marijuana laws in Georgia

Across the United States, States and cities are decriminalizing the use of marijuana.  All across the Union, States have varying legal treatment of marijuana ranging from legalized possession of the plant for medical and recreational purposes to complete bans of any amount of marijuana. Ten States in the Union have laws enacted allowing for some type of recreational usage.  In the State of Georgia, recent changes in the laws have slightly lessened the restrictions on marijuana possession.

As of today, possession of marijuana is still illegal in Georgia, except under very specific circumstances.  In April, Governor Brian Kemp signed into law House Bill 324. This law allows for the production of State regulated low-THC oil to be sold to Georgia’s registered medical marijuana users. The law also reformed the 2015 law that prohibited low-THC oil production within the state of Georgia. Before this new law, registered medical marijuana users in Georgia had to either order medicinal THC oil online or travel out of State. The new law also expands what conditions are recognized to register as a legal medical marijuana user in Georgia. Marijuana in the plant form is still illegal, this new bill only allows for possession of marijuana oil with less than 5% THC.

This is the current stance for Georgia on marijuana possession. There are ongoing debates on expanding access to medical marijuana and decriminalizing possession of marijuana. As for right now, it is still a criminal offense to possess marijuana outside of these very specific circumstances.  Cities in Georgia, like Clarkston and Atlanta, have taken steps to lower penalties for simple marijuana possession. In those cities, they have passed laws reducing the penalty of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana to be just a fine instead of the State law that calls for penalties up to $1,000 fine and or a year in jail. Possession of marijuana with a quantity greater than an ounce is a felony offense everywhere in Georgia.  These cities misdemeanor laws are only binding within their respective cities limits.

With changing laws concerning marijuana possession, it is vital to enlist a knowledgeable professional if you find yourself facing a marijuana possession charge. Do not make the mistake of believing changing attitudes and news about legalization across the US means it is legal for you, where you stay.  Contact the Law Offices of George U. Aigbe if you have been accused of a drug offense.

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