Georgia takes marijuana possession seriously. You need to understand what consequences you might face if law enforcement officials charge you with possession.
Possessing even small amounts of marijuana can have heavy consequences. According to Norml.org, the Georgia Controlled Substances Act regulates marijuana, even though it is not a controlled substance.
What if you have marijuana for personal use?
The consequences for the personal use of marijuana depend on the amount you have in your possession. If you have less than one ounce of this substance, law enforcement officials may charge you with a misdemeanor. You may have to pay a fine that can range up to $1,000. Additionally, you may have a one-year prison sentence.
The penalty usually becomes more serious if you have more than one ounce of marijuana. In this situation, you may face felony charges and need to pay a fine of up to $5,000. You may also receive a prison sentence of between 1 and 10 years. However, judges may sometimes offer a lower prison sentence for some felony charges, depending on your situation.
What if you possess hash or concentrates?
You may face more severe consequences if you have marijuana concentrates or hash in your possession. This is because these substances may contain at least 15% THC. Georgia law considers them to be Schedule 1 substances. You may face felony charges if you have less than one milliliter of a liquid substance or one gram of a solid substance. Additionally, you may need to pay a $5,000 fine. Law enforcement officials may also recommend a prison sentence. This sentence may span from 1 to 15 years, depending on the amount of marijuana hash or concentrate in your possession.
Your particular circumstances can affect the consequences you experience. If you have no prior drug charges on your record, you may be eligible for probation and a drug treatment program. If you complete these steps, law enforcement officials may dismiss the charges.