Are there coffee shops in Georgia, and what does the law allow on marijuana?
What the Constitutional Court decided and what remains a crime.
Short answer
There are no coffee shops in Georgia: selling marijuana is illegal. Since a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling, consumption itself is not punished unless it endangers others, but growing, selling and importing it remain crimes. Use is prohibited in public places, on transport, in educational institutions and around children.
Why
- On July 30, 2018, Georgia's Constitutional Court ruled that punishing consumption itself is unconstitutional unless it endangers third parties.
- The court explicitly kept liability for use in public places, schools, on transport and around children.
- Trafficking, meaning growing, selling and carrying it across the border, is still governed by criminal law.
Details
For tourists the main risk is the border: bringing marijuana into Georgia from another country counts as drug smuggling, even in small amounts and even if it was bought legally elsewhere. Driving under the influence is also punishable.
Tip
Don't buy or accept anything resembling drugs from strangers: sale and possession remain criminal offences.
What may differ
Use in public, around children or while driving is punished, and for foreigners a violation can lead to expulsion.
Common misconception
Marijuana is fully legal in Georgia.
What actually happens
No, only consumption in permitted circumstances goes unpunished. Selling, growing and importing are banned.
People also ask
- Is marijuana legal in Georgia?
Sources
This answer is for reference only and is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the official text on Matsne.
Marijuana in Georgia: law and finesRelated questions
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When and where can you set off fireworks in Georgia?
Fireworks in Georgia are sold and imported under permits, some categories are for certificate holders only, and breaking the rules in a public place is fined 2,500 GEL.
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Can you cross the road in the wrong place in Georgia and what is the fine?
In Georgia you cross at a pedestrian crossing or junction, and a pedestrian who ignores signals, signs or markings faces a 50 GEL fine, or 100 GEL on highways.
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Can you make a campfire and grill kebabs outdoors in Georgia?
In Georgian forests a campfire is allowed only in specially designated places, and the fine for breaking fire safety rules in a forest is 100 to 200 GEL.
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Can you fly a drone in Georgia and is registration required?
Drones are allowed in Georgia under Civil Aviation Agency rules, and the operator of a drone of 250 grams or more must register for free on the unmanned aircraft platform.