A Guide to Georgia’s Marijuana Laws by NORML

    NORML: A Voice for Responsible Marijuana Smokers

    Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. A nonprofit public-interest advocacy group, NORML represents the interests of the tens of millions of Americans who smoke marijuana responsibly.

     

    Possession

    Personal Use
    1 oz or less misdemeanor 1 year $ 1,000
    More than 1 oz felony 1 – 10 years $ 0

    With intent to distribute
    10 lbs or less felony 1 – 10 years $ 0
    10 – 2000 lbs felony 5 – 30 years $ 100,000
    2000 – 10,000 lbs felony 7 – 30 years $ 250,000
    More than 10,000 lbs felony 15 – 30 years $ 1,000,000
    Within 1,000 feet of school grounds, a park, or a housing project, or in a drug free zone felony 20 -40 years $ 40,000

      Marijuana Reform Group Sets Legislative Agenda

      Atlanta, GA: A group seeking reform of Georgia’s cannabis (marijuana) laws will head to the state capitol on Monday (January 14th) to begin an educational campaign.

      James Bell, director of Georgia C.A.R.E., said the marijuana reform coalition wants to start a public discussion on the impact marijuana laws have on the criminal justice system and the public.

      Bell said with the Georgia General Assembly studying reform of the criminal justice system and criminal sanctions, marijuana law reform should also be considered.

      “You can not talk about reducing the prison population and reforming Georgia’s criminal code without considering reforming marijuana laws”, Bell said. “We want lawmakers to take a close look at the impact these laws have on our state. We have sat on this issue for far too long.”

      Each year, nearly 40,000 arrests are made for violations of marijuana laws putting a strain on the criminal justice system, wasting tax dollars and diverting law enforcement resources away from more serious offenses.

      The first step in reform is to review the medical marijuana law passed unanimously in 1980 by the general assembly, according to Bell. Eighteen (18) states and the District of Columbia have passed medical marijuana measures with no negative impact on public safety.

      Georgia C.A.R.E. Legislative Priorities include:

      1. Cannabis (Marijuana) as a Schedule Substance: Designate cannabis (marijuana) as a Schedule V (5) (O.C.G.A. 16-13-29) substance consistent with the “Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act”, (O.C.G.A. 43-34-120).

      2. Special Study Committee on Therapeutic Medical Marijuana: Establish a special study committee to examine reforming and expanding Georgia’s medical marijuana laws (O.C.G.A. 43-34-120); allow stakeholder to offer testimony on the issue and make recommendations for legislative reform.

      3. Special Study Committee on Marijuana Decriminalization: Study the impact of Georgia’s marijuana laws on the criminal justice system and public safety to make recommendations to the Georgia General Assembly concerning law reform.

        Attorney Walker Chandler Joins C.A.R.E. Team

        Georgia C.A.R.E. welcomes Attorney Walker Chandler to our team. Walker has over 35 years of experience in the practice of law and has been an outspoken advocate for marijuana legalization.

        In a 1997 landmark case, Walker Chandler challenged the Georgia statue that required candidates for office to pass a drug test to qualify. The case moved through the courts and was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.