Telephone & Video Conferences Available.770-993-1005
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

770-993-1005

11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 100 | Alpharetta, GA 30022

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
Charlton & Glover P.C.

Charlton & Glover P.C.

Atlanta Family Law & Divorce Attorney

  • Our Firm
    • Martin Grayson Charlton, Esq.
    • Patricia S. Glover, Esq.
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
    • Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Attorney
    • Chapter 13
  • Wills & Probate
  • Criminal Defense
  • Mediation
  • Contact
  • Blog

Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Georgia

You are here: Home / Blog / Penalties for Possession of Marijuana in Georgia

August 9, 2019 by Patty Glover Leave a Comment

On July 1, 2019, new Georgia medical marijuana laws went into effect. However, it is only legal to possess low-THC oil for patients with a valid prescription. There are still penalties for recreational marijuana, even for first time users.

Punishments for possession or sale are harsh. You may want to speak with a Georgia criminal law attorney to help you with your case if you are facing these charges. A lawyer can help you navigate our complex legal system while protecting your rights.

Georgia Marijuana Laws
It is illegal to possess, sell, and distribute marijuana under Georgia state law. The Peach State is more strict than other states in this regard. For example, being in possession of more than one ounce of marijuana is a felony and carries up to 10 years in prison.

New legislation allows the distribution and production of low-THC oil in the state while keeping recreational use illegal. Production is limited to two of our state’s universities and six private companies. Pharmacies are the only locations authorized to distribute the oils.

Patients are allowed to carry up to 20 ounces of the oils. If you are caught carrying more than the limit, the penalties are harsh and depend upon how much you were carrying. The following punishments are on the table for possession of THC oils that exceed regulations:

  • 21-160 fluid ounces: Up to 10 years of jail time and a $50,000 fine
  • 161-31,000 fluid ounces: Up to 10 years of jail time and a $100,000 fine
  • 31,001-154,000 fluid ounces: Up to 15 years of jail time and a $250,000 fine
  • More than 154,000 fluid ounces: Up to 20 years of jail time and a $1 million fine

No matter which state you live in, possession of marijuana is still illegal by virtue of federal statutes. Federal laws always outweigh state laws, so you might want to think twice about medical or recreational use of marijuana. DEA and FBI agents are still at liberty to apprehend and charge individuals with possession, production, and sale of marijuana.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession in Georgia
Having a solid understanding of marijuana possession statutes can help you anticipate what is ahead if you have been charged with a crime. Every case is different in terms of punishment. Having an experienced Georgia criminal law attorney can provide insight into where your case may fall on the spectrum.

Here are the following penalties for marijuana possession-related crimes in Georgia:

  • Up to one ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor and carries up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine;
  • Up to 10 pounds of marijuana is a felony and carries up to 10 years in prison;
  • Between 10 and 2,000 pounds is a felony, considered trafficking, and carries up to five years in prison with a mandatory fine of $100,000;
  • Between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds is a felony, considered trafficking, and carries up to seven years in prison with a mandatory fine of $250,000;
  • More than 10,000 pounds is a felony, considered trafficking, and carries up to 15 years in prison with a mandatory fine of $1,000,000

Georgia handles drug laws differently from other states. It can be intimidating to face such harsh consequences in the courtroom. It is prudent to seek legal counsel in order to provide for the best outcome possible. Plus, your rights are protected during the process.

Speak with a Georgia Criminal Law Attorney
At Charlton & Glover, Attorneys at Law, we understand how scary it is to be charged with a marijuana crime. Consider speaking with one of our Georgia criminal law attorneys today. You can contact our office by calling (770) 993-1005 or by sending us a quick note through our request form.

Category iconBlog,  Criminal Law

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Testimonials

"After coming home from the military, I had financial issues that I had let get out of control. I didn’t know what to do, so I did some research online for legal assistance. Patricia has an awesome reputation in our community, so I scheduled a consult. My first impression was "I am dealing with a real person" ...

Chris

Read More

"Charlton & Glover have handled bankruptcy, DUI, divorce, personal injury, and criminal defense cases for me and have done an excellent job" ...

Mike

Read More

"5 Stars, of course no one WANTS to think about divorce, child custody or other situations you might someday find yourself needing a lawyer for but it is simply a reality for some & it’s always good to be prepared" ...

Erin Charisse

Read More

Contact Us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Footer

Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation!

770-993-1005

11175 Cicero Drive, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30022


  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Our Legal Services

  • Criminal Defense
  • Bankruptcy
  • Wills & Probate
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration

About Us

Charlton & Glover, located in Alpharetta, GA, was founded in 1994 by Martin G. Charlton and Patricia S. Glover, attorneys who have been practicing since 1983 and 1988, respectively. Our experienced attorneys will work one-on-one with you to get the attention you deserve, whether it involves Criminal Defense, Wills & Probate, or any other legal issue.

Copyright © 2023 Charlton & Glover, P.C. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Sitemap