⚖️ Georgia Drug Laws 2026—Fines, Arrests, and “Personal Possession”

🌿 "Is marijuana free in Georgia after 2018?" — The 2025 amendments have proven otherwise: fines have increased and the rules have become stricter!

⚠️ Any drugs are harmful to your health; this article is for informational purposes only and does not encourage any action.

🔍 Briefly about the main thing

🚦Georgia has long been associated with "liberalization" - after the high-profile decision of the 2018 COP, many thought that cannabis was officially free here. But the amendments to the Law on Drugs in 2025 have abruptly changed course: fines for "personal" up to 2000₾, arrest up to 60 days, and for the circulation of new psychoactive substances now comes a real term. In this guide, we analyze in simple terms what "personal storage" means, why the transport of CBD oil remains a gray area and how a tourist can avoid a surprise check in Tbilisi at night. 🌿 Key figures are current as of July 2025; the material is informational, not legal advice.

📝Key terms and limits of liability

What is the difference between a "simple fine" and a real term?

Below is a short reminder that shows where an administrative violation ends and criminal liability begins under the updated Drug Law (2025 edition). Check your actions against these limits to understand the risks.

What is considered "personal use"

Georgian law now explicitly calls a "small dose" of cannabis:

• up to 10g raw hemp or
• up to 5g of dried marijuana.

The first time such an incident occurs, it is an administrative offence; if it is repeated or the limit is exceeded, the case automatically becomes criminal and can end with a real term of up to 6 years.

📝 IMPORTANT: the "personal" limits apply only to storage/purchase without the purpose of sale. Any evidence of trade (packaging, scales, correspondence) immediately transfers the case to the criminal plane, even if the weight is less than the limit.

🌿 Cannabis: "freedom"2018 → toughness2025

After the historic decision of the Constitutional Court (July 30, 2018), personal marijuana use in Georgia ceased to be a criminal offense, and tourists rushed to consider the country a "green paradise." The 2025 amendments sobered up: while preserving the right to "personal use," the law introduced clear limits, increased fines, and toughened penalties for storage in excess of the norm, cultivation, and sale.

🧪New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Zero Tolerance Zone

Synthetic powders and "designer" pills have been equated to hard drugs: any operation with NPS (from transportation to sale) is now punishable by 12-20 years in prison, and in aggravating circumstances - for life. There is no "personal" limit: even a gram is subject to a criminal article.

💸How much does a violation “cost”: fines, arrests and additional sanctions

A couple of extra grams, refusal to take a test or gifting an "exotic pill" to a friend—each point of the law is written in lari, days and years. Below is a compact summary of the main articles: see where a simple fine ends and confiscation of rights, weapons and freedom begins.

The table shows minimum and maximum sanctions according to the 2025 legal revision. For brevity, fines are listed in GEL (₾) and detentions in days/years. Court rulings may be stricter under aggravating circumstances.

💊Transportation of prescription drugs

Codeine drops, methylphenidate for ADHD or strong painkillers on vacation are a common story. But Georgia strictly controls "narcotic and psychotropic" drugs: they have their own limit, a list of documents and a mandatory customs declaration. Below is a quick checklist.

For personal treatment, it is allowed to bring into Georgia a 31-day supply of controlled medications (opioids, ADHD stimulants, strong sedatives) — but only with full paperwork. Without documents, you can bring no more than 10 regular packages of medicine. Anything containing codeine or pseudoephedrine is strictly regulated.

🚔Street check: your rights and actions

Georgian police have the right to ask for a rapid drug test right on the street, especially for drivers. Knowing your rights can reduce stress and avoid unnecessary fines. Below is a compact block-cheat with answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Police may offer a rapid test (saliva/urine). Refusal = administrative fine of 500 – 2,000 ₾ or arrest for up to 60 days. Knowing your rights helps reduce stress and avoid extra penalties.

✅How to avoid getting into trouble: express checklist

Below are some quick "stickers" for tips: save the page offline and check them out when you're heading out or on the road.

☎️Useful contacts: where to call if problems arise

Save these numbers and addresses in your phone in advance—in an emergency, every 30 seconds, a gold bar. Data is current as of July 2025; check for possible changes when planning your trip.