TBILISI, May 10 (RIA Novosti) – Georgia’s government is considering a possibility of legalizing marijuana in the country, Labor, Health and Social Affairs Minister David Sergeyenko said on Friday.
“As far as drugs are concerned, ban-related mechanisms very often entail a ricochet effect, which means strengthening and development of other directions and etc.,” Novosti-Georgia quoted Sergeyenko as saying.
The minister said the issue requires a “well-considered strategy” and “the legalization of marijuana could be a part of it,” adding that discussions should continue.
"The fact that we are now discussing this issue does not mean that we will wake up one day and see marijuana at supermarkets. Of course, it will not happen this way,” he said.
Under Georgia’s law, people convicted of illegally making or possessing drugs face up to one year in jail, a fine or a community service.
Politicians in Georgia have earlier called for legalizing “soft drugs” in the country. In 2005, the chairperson of Georgia’s Council for Drug Policy, Tamara Sirbiladze said legalizing marijuana could “reduce the number of drug-related crimes.”
