On July 1, 2019, new medical marijuana laws went into effect in Georgia. However, possession of low-THC oil is only legal for patients with a valid prescription. There are still penalties for recreational marijuana, even for first-time users.
Penalties for possession or sale are severe. You may want to speak to a Georgia criminal justice attorney to help you with your case if you are facing these charges. A lawyer can help you navigate our complex legal system while protecting your rights.
Georgian Marijuana Laws
It is illegal under Georgia state law to possess, sell, and distribute marijuana. The Peach State is stricter than other states in this regard. For example, possession of more than an ounce of marijuana is a felony and carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
New laws allow for the distribution and production of low-THC oil in the state, while recreational use remains illegal. Production is limited to two universities in our country and six private companies. Pharmacies are the only places authorized to sell the oils.
Patients are allowed to carry up to 20 ounces of the oils. If you are caught carrying more than the limit, the penalties are severe and depend on how much you were carrying. The penalties on the table for possession of THC oils that exceed the regulations are as follows:
- 21-160 fluid ounces: Up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
- 161-31,000 fl oz: Up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine
- 31,001-154,000 fl oz: Up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 fine
- More than 154,000 fluid ounces: Up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine
No matter what state you live in, possession of marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Federal laws always take precedence over state laws, so you should think twice about medicinal or recreational marijuana use. DEA and FBI agents remain free to arrest and charge individuals with possession, production, and sale of marijuana.
Penalties for possession of marijuana in Georgia
A solid understanding of marijuana possession laws can help you anticipate what lies ahead if you’ve been charged with a felony. In terms of punishment, each case is different. An experienced Georgia criminal attorney can give you insight into where your case might fall on the spectrum.
Here are the following penalties for crimes related to marijuana possession in Georgia:
- Up to an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison or a $1,000 fine;
- Up to 10 pounds of marijuana is a felony and carries up to 10 years in prison;
- Between £10 and £2,000 is a felony, counts as human trafficking and carries a sentence of up to five years imprisonment with a mandatory $100,000 fine;
- Between £2,000 and £10,000 is a felony that qualifies as human trafficking and carries up to seven years in prison with a mandatory fine of $250,000;
- More than £10,000 is a felony, counts as human trafficking and carries up to 15 years in prison with a mandatory $1,000,000 fine
Georgia handles drug laws differently than other states. It can be intimidating to face such harsh consequences in the courtroom. It is advisable to seek legal advice in order to achieve the best possible result. Also, your rights will be protected during the process.
Speak to a Georgia criminal justice attorney
At Charlton & Glover, Attorneys at Law, we understand how scary it is to be charged with a marijuana-related crime. Speak to one of our Georgia criminal justice attorneys today. You can reach our office at (770) 993-1005 or send us a quick message using our inquiry form.
