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Can medicinal soft drugs lead to criminal charges in Georgia?

On Behalf of | Sep 22, 2021 | Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes

With 36 states and the District of Columbia now allowing medicinal use of soft drugs like cannabis, many Americans are approaching previously prohibited substances with less fear. Nonetheless, some people who are curious about potential health benefits still worry about criminal charges.

In 2018, Georgia joined the list of other states that offer medicinal programs. However, the state has a much more conservative approach to implementation than other places, and  THC limits are similarly restrictive. As such, it can be helpful to understand the rules if you are a patient.

Georgia laws differ from other states

Unlike most other states with medicinal cannabis programs, Georgia only permits the use of low THC oil. As such, all flower and other popular cannabis products remain illegal. If law enforcement catches you with any amount of cannabis outside of a registered low THC oil amount of 5%, you can face legal consequences. Possessing up to 1 ounce can lead to a misdemeanor while anything more than that can result in felony criminal charges.

Not all THC oil products are the same

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all THC-containing oils are the same. Many states sell oils containing THC levels that far exceed Georgia’s permitted amount. In addition, other concentrates called tinctures are also on the market in other states, and sometimes, they are easy to mistake for oils. Because of this, reading the label and only purchasing from state-licensed providers are often the best ways to avoid unwanted legal consequences.

If you consume medicinal soft drugs in Georgia, there is a possibility that doing so can still lead to criminal charges, but if you stay within the confines of the law, it can greatly decrease the chances.