Georgia’s New Marijuana Laws: What Tourists and Expats Need to Know (June 2025 Update)

While few are talking about it, we think travelers and expats should be informed.

🎁 As of June 1, 2025, Georgia has passed a strict new law that increases penalties for the use, possession, and sharing of cannabis (marijuana). Several drug-related offenses under the country’s Criminal Code have also become more severe.

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➤ Possession Penalties:

If you’re caught with up to 5 grams of dried cannabis or up to 10 grams of raw cannabis, here’s what you could face:

• ₾500 fine (approx. $180)
• Driver’s license suspension for 3 years
• Firearm ownership ban for 5 years
• Ban on working in public service or education
• Judges may also restrict work as a teacher, doctor, pharmacist, or lawyer

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➤ Sharing = Crime (Even If It’s Not for Sale)

Georgia’s Criminal Code Article 323 now separates two offenses:

• Distribution (sharing, gifting, exchanging, etc.)
• Sale (intent to profit)

🚩 Important: If two people are smoking and one passes cannabis to the other, it is considered criminal distribution — even if no money is involved.

• Punishment: 3 to 7 years in prison
• The amount doesn’t matter

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➤ Selling Marijuana:

• Selling marijuana (or cannabis in any form) is now punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison

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➤ Drug Testing Rules:

If the police suspect someone is under the influence of drugs, they can:

• Bring the person in for a drug test, or
• Issue a legal order requiring the person to provide a test result

⚠️ Testing can cover any drugs except marijuana — suspicion of marijuana alone is not enough reason to demand a test.

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➤ Refusing the Test:

If someone refuses to comply:

• They must submit their own lab test results within 24 hours
• The test must be taken within 8 hours of receiving the order

🚫 Failing to do so can lead to:

• A ₾500–₾2000 fine (approx. $180–$720)
• Up to 60 days in jail
• Repeat offenses carry criminal penalties, including jail time

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➤ Consequences for Testing Positive or Refusing:

• 3-year driver’s license suspension
• 5-year ban from public service and education
• 5-year firearm ban

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➤ Stricter Drug Sale Penalties:

• Selling any type of drug, even small amounts: Now punishable by 12 to 20 years, or even life in prison (previously max was 10 years)

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➤ New Legal Definitions:

The law now outlines:

• What counts as drug trafficking
• Who qualifies as a drug dealer
• Which individuals are considered relatives or associates
• What counts as property tied to the drug trade

❗️Authorities can now seize any assets, including real estate or vehicles, linked to drug trafficking — and transfer them to the state.

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🧪 Criticism from Experts:

The Georgian Association of Addiction Specialists condemned the new law as “destructive”, urging the government to halt the reform. They claim the changes are not based on scientific evidence and ignore professional expertise.

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💬 Context:

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, had long promised to ease the country’s harsh drug policies. However, the new law introduces mandatory treatment for individuals struggling with addiction — a controversial move.

Sources: Legal analysis by attorney Vakhtang Machavariani & reporting by Radio Tavisupleba.
The amendments were passed on April 16, 2025, by Georgian Dream.