Georgian government considers legalization of marijuana

The Georgian government is considering a possible decriminalization of using marijuana, as bans are sometimes fraught with reverse consequences, said David Sergeyenko, Minister of Labour, Health and Social Protection.

"This is an area where we need a judicious strategy, one part of which is legalization of marijuana," the "News-Georgia" quotes Mr Sergeyenko as saying.

According to his story, the prohibition of marijuana in the form as it is now in Georgia is not acceptable; however, the issue should be resolved against the background of debates. "There are many countries, where decriminalization of marijuana was discussed. Some have already passed the law, and some are still discussing," said Sergeyenko.

However, according to the minister, the fact that the issue is being discussed does not mean that one day marijuana will be sold in supermarkets, the "Georgia-Online" reports. "Of course, this is not the case, and the discussion should be continued," said the minister.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Georgia has fairly severe penalties for drug use - up to 10 years in prison. On November 20, 2009, the Georgian parliament unanimously adopted the Law "On Amnesty", which provided halving the sentence of those inmates imprisoned for drug use.