🌿Drugs in Georgia 2025: fines up to 2000₾, new cannabis rules⚖️
The 2025 amendments have tightened the law: fines up to 2,000₾, arrest for 60 days, NPS— up to 20 years. Carrying CBD and prescription opioids, street tests, tourist rights—a complete guide.
🌿 "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.
| Status | Covers | Sanctions (from June 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative offense |
• first-time possession/purchase of up to 10g raw or 5g dried marijuana • smoking in public, refusal to take a drug test |
Fine of 500–2,000 ₾ or arrest up to 60 days |
| Criminal offense |
• repeated violation • possession exceeding personal limits • sale, transport, cultivation • operations involving new psychoactive substances (NPS) |
Imprisonment 1–6 years (possession) 5–12 years (sale) 12–20 years for NPS + asset confiscation |
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.
- 2018 — Constitutional Court decision: use and possession not for distribution were decriminalized; criminal liability removed.
- “Personal” limit: up to 10 g of raw or 5 g of dried marijuana. Exceeding = criminal case.
- 2025 — new penalties: 500–2,000 ₾ fine or up to 60 days arrest for the first offense; repeat offense — up to 6 years in prison. For sale and cultivation — up to 12 years.
🧪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.
What is NPS?
Synthetic substances that mimic the effects of MDMA, LSD, cathinones (“bath salts”), cannabinoids, etc. They quickly change their formulas to bypass bans.
No “personal limit”
Unlike cannabis, any amount of NPS is considered a criminal offense — even a fragment of a pill.
Sentencing terms
Possession/transportation: 5–10 years.
Sale or facilitation: 12–20 years.
Aggravating factors (group, large scale): life imprisonment.
Asset confiscation
The court may seize real estate, vehicles, and other assets not only from the convicted person but also from close relatives if financing is proven.
Tip for travelers
Even an unmarked pill can be classified as an NPS. Stay away from “club treats” and never carry parcels for others.
💸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.
| Offense | Fine | Detention / Prison | Additional penalties* |
|---|---|---|---|
| First possession ≤ 10g raw or 5g dried marijuana | ₾500 – 2,000 | up to 60 days | — |
| Repeated possession within same limit | ─ | 1 – 6 years | license suspension (3 yrs) |
| Possession above limit, no intent to distribute | ─ | 3 – 6 years | ban from public service (5 yrs) |
| Distribution/transportation of cannabis | ─ | 5 – 12 years | property confiscation |
| NPS — possession/transportation | ─ | 5 – 10 years | — |
| NPS — distribution or facilitation | ─ | 12 – 20 years life (aggravated) | confiscation of all assets |
| Refusing roadside drug test | ₾500 – 2,000 | up to 60 days | license suspension (3 yrs) |
| Driving under the influence | ─ | up to 1 year | license: +3 yrs |
* Additional penalties are court-imposed and may include temporary firearm bans, restrictions on government or educational employment, and confiscation of vehicles or property.
💊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.
What can I bring without a prescription?
Up to 10 packs of “regular” medicine (not containing codeine/pseudoephedrine) — at your own risk. Over the limit → declaration and medical documents required.
Controlled substance limit
Up to a 31-day course with complete documentation: prescription + doctor’s note, all translated into English and apostilled.
Documents required for declaration
• Copy of the prescription (EN, apostilled)
• Doctor’s letter with diagnosis and dosage
• Completed customs declaration (available at the border, RU/EN/KA)
At the border
Passport + declaration + “med pack” are checked, stamped, and returned. Keep the documents with you — police or customs may ask for them on departure.
Strictly forbidden without special permit
Combination drugs containing codeine, dihydrocodeine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and other strong substances. Without a declaration and prescription, this is a criminal offense.
* Sources: 31-day limit and document list — Georgian consulate; 10-pack rule and list of banned codeine/ephedrine-based medicines — Revenue Service of Georgia.
🚔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.
| Situation | Your right / Action |
|---|---|
| Do you need a translator? | Yes. If you don’t speak Georgian, the police must call a translator before testing or questioning. Failure to do so is grounds for challenging the report. |
| Disagree with the rapid test | You have the right to request a second lab test within 4 hours. Police must provide a sealed vial and receipt before the second test. |
| How long can they detain you? | No more than 12 hours without charges. After that, demand either an official report or immediate release. |
| Refusing medical examination | Allowed, but counts as an offense: 500 – 2,000 ₾ fine or up to 60 days’ arrest + 3-year driving license suspension. |
| Phone or vehicle seizure | Only with a warrant from an investigator/prosecutor. Ask for a copy of the document and record witnesses to the seizure. |
✅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.
❓Frequently asked questions from tourists
Below we have collected answers to the most frequently asked questions about the "cannabis law 2025": what to do with CBD, where you can actually smoke it, and what to do if you have already been fined. Expand the desired item.
Is it allowed to smoke marijuana in public?
Only in private spaces with no minors present. Park, beach, or even a hotel balcony = public space → fine of 500 – 2,000 ₾.
Is it permitted to bring CBD oil?
Yes, if THC content is below 0.2 % and volume ≤ 30 ml. Keep the pharmacy receipt: without proof of “legal origin,” you may be detained for re-testing.
What happens with vape liquids containing THC?
They are treated the same as cannabis: carrying more than the “personal” limit may lead to criminal charges. Border control uses express testing.
How long does THC stay in driver drug tests?
In saliva — up to 8 hours after use. In urine — 5–7 days (for occasional use), in hair — for months.
How to appeal a fine or arrest?
Submit an appeal to the district court within 10 days. In case of a dosage dispute, request independent expertise (police hotline — 112).
Can you buy marijuana in a pharmacy or coffeeshop?
No. Cannabis sales are prohibited; there are no licensed points like in the Netherlands. Any commercial transfer = criminal distribution.
Do I need to declare prescription stimulants when leaving Georgia?
Yes, if they were declared upon entry. Border control compares the remaining quantity with the original declaration; “extra” pills may be treated as intent to distribute.
What to do if a friend is detained with a “personal” amount?
Ask for the time of detention, arrange a translator, and provide copies of documents (passport, prescriptions). You may hire a lawyer immediately — the first hours are critical for case classification.
What’s the statute of limitations on unpaid fines?
After 2 years, the fine expires, but until then penalties accrue and border crossing may be restricted.
Can an unpaid fine affect visa extension or departure?
Yes — it may lead to denial of residence permit extension or a temporary travel ban until the debt is cleared.
☎️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.
🚨 Emergency / Police / Ambulance: 112
Universal emergency number across Georgia (ENG/RUS/KA).
Ministry of Interior Drugs Hotline: +995 322 74‑16‑00 (24/7)
🏥 National Narcology Center, Tbilisi
24/7 intake and detox department.
Tel.: +995 322 23‑48‑99
Address: 14 Asatiani St.
🏥 Rustavi Detox Clinic
20-bed facility, English-speaking staff.
Tel.: +995 599 88‑77‑66
Address: 5 Sukhishvili St., Rustavi
🏥 Batumi Detox Center
Emergency care and rehabilitation, 24/7.
Tel.: +995 422 22‑55‑11
Address: 9 Abuzari St., Batumi
U.S. Consular Section, Tbilisi
Tel.: +995 322 27‑70‑00
Address: 11 Giorgi Boloatashvili St.
British Embassy, Tbilisi
Tel.: +995 322 27‑47‑00
Address: 51 G. Abashidze St.
EU Visa Center (Schengen), Tbilisi
Tel.: +995 322 94‑37‑63
Address: 2 Freedom Sq., Office 34
Russian Consular Services*
Via Russian Interests Section at Swiss Embassy.
Tel.: +995 322 91‑23‑50
Address: 4 Igrokva St., Tbilisi
* Since 2008, Georgia and Russia have no direct diplomatic relations; consular support for Russian citizens is provided via the Russian Interests Section at the Swiss Embassy.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or any other professional advice. It does not promote drug use. For official interpretation of the law, please consult a legal expert or the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
Remember that all drugs can harm your health. Take care of yourself and seek professional help at the first signs of trouble.
🗓 Updated: July 6, 2025
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