On March 14, the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights will review the legislative package proposed by "Georgian Dream," which, if enacted, will impose stricter liability for actions related to drugs, including the cannabis plant and marijuana.

The changes affect eight different laws, including the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offenses, the Law on Organized Crime and Racketeering, and others.

As part of the tightening of drug policy, several new articles will be added to the criminal legislation. The "Georgian Dream" bill defines drug-related offenses more precisely and increases the severity of penalties, including longer prison sentences.

Stricter punishments will apply to the illegal production, manufacture, transportation, or distribution of psychotropic substances, their analogs, potent substances, cannabis plants, marijuana, other narcotic substances, their analogs, precursors, or new psychoactive substances.

Additionally, administrative liability will be tightened for the illegal manufacture, purchase, possession, transportation, transfer, or use of a narcotic substance, its analog, or precursor in small quantities without a doctor’s prescription.

The illegal manufacture, purchase, possession, transportation, transfer, or use of a narcotic substance, its analog, or precursor in small quantities, or refusal to undergo drug testing, will result in a fine of 500 to 2,000 GEL or up to 60 days of administrative detention.

Committing these administrative offenses will also lead to restrictions on firearm-related rights and the suspension of a citizen’s driving license for three years.

The bill also defines the concepts of drug trafficking and drug dealer and clarifies who can be considered a drug dealer’s family member, close relative, or associated person, as well as what will be classified as a drug dealer’s property.

The legislative package was initiated by MPs from "Georgian Dream" and "People’s Power".