**Georgia’s Government Tackles Narcotics with New Regulations**
In a bid to combat the illicit trade of narcotics, Georgia’s government is introducing stricter regulations on the possession and distribution of marijuana and cannabis products. At the heart of this initiative is the Health Minister, Mikheil Sarjveladze, who emphasizes that the aim is not to target drug users but to hold accountable those who profit from their condition.
According to Sarjveladze, the government has identified a significant imbalance in the market due to conflicts of interest and commercial agendas. To address this issue, state regulation will be imposed on substitution therapy services, which have been primarily provided by private entities up until now. The import of psychotropic medications will also become a state prerogative.
**Changes Effective August 15**
Under the new initiative, the operation of substitution therapy centers will come under full government control starting from August 15. This change is part of an overarching effort to regulate the market and prevent the worsening of drug-related issues for financial gain.
**Tighter Liability on Marijuana Possession and Trade**
A crucial aspect of this legislative package involves tightening liability thresholds for marijuana possession, storage, or transportation. For small quantities (up to 10 grams of cannabis plant, up to 5 grams of dried marijuana, or up to 10 grams of raw marijuana), administrative responsibility will be triggered upon the first offense. However, subsequent offenses will escalate into criminal liability.
**Escalating Penalties for Larger Quantities**
The thresholds for possession triggering criminal liability are as follows:
– Cannabis plant: 10g to 155g
– Dried marijuana: 5g to 70g
– Raw marijuana: 10g to 150g
Possession within these ranges can lead to up to six years in prison, while illegal production, manufacturing, transport, or distribution may result in three to seven years. Larger quantities (155g for cannabis plant, 70g for dried marijuana, and 140g for raw marijuana) carry even harsher penalties.
**Serious Consequences for Large-Scale Narcotics Offenses**
Possession of very large quantities of narcotics (750g or more of cannabis plant, 250g or more of dried marijuana, or 500g or more of raw marijuana) will be punishable by up to 20 years in prison. In cases of especially egregious offenses, life imprisonment is possible.
The proposed amendments also include tougher penalties for the sale and distribution of marijuana and cannabis products, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to combating the illicit narcotics trade.
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