Protecting Rights and Keeping the Peace: Marijuana Laws in Georgia
In October 2017, the nation's attitude towards marijuana laws was altered when Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded an Obama-era policy that discouraged federal prosecution of marijuana use. This decision has been met with both praise and protest from the public in Atlanta, GA. However, it is important to understand why this change in law may significantly impact Atlanta, GA residents. This post will discuss what these new policies entail for Georgians and how they might affect them if enacted in their state.
What are the penalties for possession of marijuana in Georgia?
There are a range of penalties for the possession, sale, and trafficking of marijuana in Georgia. The severity of the punishment against marijuana laws in Georgia depends on whether or not it is your first offense if you have previous convictions, and how many ounces were involved. If this is your first arrest with an ounce or less, you can expect to pay fines up to $300 as well as face probation after completing community service hours.
What about medical marijuana - what is legal, and where can it be obtained?
It is legal to have marijuana prescribed for medical purposes in Georgia. However, the Atlanta marijuana laws are very strict about how it can be obtained and who may obtain it. Under the current state laws, only patients suffering from one of several severe disorders are eligible for a prescription that allows them to possess low THC oil (less than 0.09 percent) with less than five percent CBD content. Contact our cannabis lawyers Atlanta for more information.
Is there a movement to legalize the recreational use of cannabis in Georgia anytime soon?
Other states in the U.S., even right here in Georgia, have legalized marijuana for recreational use. The push towards legalization has gained momentum over time, with many states legalizing medical marijuana first before anything else was brought into play. This means that people who suffer from debilitating conditions like cancer or AIDS can obtain cannabis legally without worrying about breaking any laws. The question is if this will ever happen on a federal level and how long it could take to get there? Contact our criminal lawyer Atlanta or defense attorney Atlanta for more information.
What do other states have to say about this issue?
The states of Washington and Colorado have also legalized the recreational use of marijuana. However, there are some restrictions on these states that do not exist in Georgia. For example, both states require customers to be over 21 years old to purchase marijuana products legally.
- Washington requires customers to be over 21 years old
- Colorado requires customers' to be over 23 years old
- Georgia does not make an age requirement for purchasing marijuana products legal (unless it is medicinal)
Also worth mentioning is the effect legalization has had on crime rates in these two states since 2013 when their laws took effect.
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