A drug conviction could change the course of your life. In Georgia, laws are strict, and penalties for drug possession or distribution can be severe. To this day (September 2024), recreational and medical use of marijuana is prohibited in the state. This means that growing marijuana is illegal, even if you have a THC oil permit for medical use.
Penalties for cultivating marijuana in Georgia
If you cultivate cannabis plants at your home, you could face drug possession penalties. The severity of the consequences depends on the amount of marijuana. For example, possessing one ounce or less is a misdemeanor with up to one year of jail time and a $1,000 fine. However, possessing more than one ounce and less than ten pounds of marijuana is a felony with a penalty of ten years of jail time. Moreover, you could face additional fines for cultivation.
Penalties for trafficking marijuana
In Georgia, possession or cultivation of more than ten pounds of marijuana can lead to trafficking charges. This is a severe felony with long-term consequences for the offender. Depending on the amount of marijuana, an individual could be facing up to 30 years in prison and more than $100,000 in fines.
Medical marijuana in Georgia
The state of Georgia allows some individuals to possess THC oil for medical reasons. Still, they are only allowed to use this substance, excluding other marijuana products. To obtain this permit, you must have an authorized medical condition and follow local regulations.
Lastly, if you face a trafficking or possession charge, an attorney can help you evaluate your options. Additionally, avoiding future charges can be helpful since repeated offenses have more severe penalties.