Georgia, between repression and decriminalization of cannabis

Today, let’s turn our attention to a country we don’t hear much about: Georgia. As a drug trafficking hub between Russia, the Middle East, and Europe, this small country has one of the most repressive drug policies. Yet signs of hope have been emerging since 2015.

How about planting some seeds for the New Year?

A member of the opposition political party Pine Cone is proposing an approach of civil disobedience toward the government this year. He plans to organize a large, somewhat unique march on the evening of December 31: the protesters will be equipped with cannabis seeds.

However, the organizer’s identity has not been revealed. Georgians who participate in this mission could face 6 to 12 years in prison for growing a psychoactive plant.  «I have the right to possess cannabis seeds, but as soon as I plant them, I’m considered a criminal,» says Vakhtang Megrelishvili of the Pine Cone political party. This situation, similar to that in France, is beginning to change in Georgia.

A Suicide and Decriminalization Under Pressure

Pine Cone has made several attempts to pass decriminalization laws and win seats in parliament, with limited success. Release estimates that every year, 60,000 Georgians are subjected to random drug tests by the police. Those who test positive can face a fine exceeding the average monthly wage and risk imprisonment if they are repeat offenders. This repressive approach indirectly gave rise to the «White Noise» movement, the leading advocacy group for legalization. Following the suicide of a 22-year-old man after a random drug test, young people are speaking out against the current policy.

On October 25, 2015, under public pressure, the Constitutional Court ruled that individuals in possession of less than 70 grams of cannabis would no longer face prison sentences. The Court now distinguishes between drug dealers and cannabis users. Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili followed suit but stated his opposition to full decriminalization. He promised to ease penalties. In fact, the introduction of a regulatory weight limit for drugs is a first in Georgia. Prior to this law of October 25, 2015, any use, possession, or trace of drug possession could result in up to 8 years in prison. Home production and the sale of psychoactive substances remain completely prohibited.