The Constitutional Court of Georgia has published a statement about the decision made concerning using marijuana, effectively abolishing administrative punishment for the use of the medication.
“According to the applicants (Zurab Japaridze and Vakhtang Megrelishvili),
the consumption of marijuana is not an act of social threat. In particular, it can only harm the users’ health, making that consumer him/herself responsible for the result. The responsibility for such activities does not result in dangerous consequences for the public.”
The Constitutional Court of Georgia
noted that permission to consume marijuana is an act of protection of the person’s right to free development, and while prohibition of consumption of marijuana is an action directed against its turnover and therefore serves the legitimate aim of consumer protection of health, according to the Court, the role of an individual user in support of marijuana circulation is minimal, and consequently the threats from personal consumption are likewise small. Due to the above, the punishment for the use of marijuana is disproportionate.”
The court considers certain exceptions for the decision of today in cases once the use of marijuana creates risks.
“Also, the Constitutional Court highlights the imposition of responsibility for marijuana consumption when it creates a threat to third parties. For instance, the Court will justify responsibility when marijuana is consumed in educational institutions, public places, such as on public transport, and in the presence of children”, said the Court.
Zurab Japaridze congratulated everybody on the conclusion made today on July 30, 2018.
“I would like to congratulate everybody on the decision made by the Constitutional Court. Through this decision, Georgia became a free country. Administrative punishment for consumption of marijuana was revoked by the Constitutional Court, which means that the consumption of marijuana in Georgia is now legal,” explained Japaridze.
He noted that it is the job of people to do marijuana’s use responsibly, maintaining other smoking legislations and laws under consideration, as these will still employ.
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