"We are not targeting drug users — our aim is to confront those who try to profit from the severe condition of drug users, worsening the problem just to benefit even more from it," said Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze during a session of the Parliament’s Health and Social Affairs Committee.

According to Sarjveladze, there has long been an imbalance caused by conflicts of interest and the presence of specific commercial agendas. He emphasized that there is a significant risk of encouraging the harmful use of narcotic substances, which requires state regulation.

"Under the new initiative, substitution therapy will be placed entirely under state control, and private entities will be prohibited from providing this service. The import of psychotropic medications will also be restricted, becoming a state prerogative. It was noted at the session that changes regarding substitution therapy centers will take effect on August 15, while the import-related provisions are set to come into force on October 1," Sarjveladze stated.

For context, liability related to marijuana and the cannabis plant is being tightened. Parliament is reviewing the relevant legislative package under an expedited procedure. The amendments affect the Administrative Offenses Code, the Criminal Code, and other legal acts.

Possession, storage, or transportation of small amounts — up to 10 grams of cannabis plant, up to 5 grams of dried marijuana, or up to 10 grams of raw marijuana — will result in administrative responsibility on the first offense. Repeat offenses will trigger criminal liability, with sanctions ranging from fines and community service to up to one year of imprisonment.

Criminal liability thresholds include:

Cannabis plant: 10g to 155g

Dried marijuana: 5g to 70g

Raw marijuana: 10g to 150g

Possession within these ranges may lead to up to 6 years in prison, while illegal production, manufacturing, transport, or distribution may result in 3 to 7 years.

For large quantities:

Cannabis plant: 155g to 750g

Dried marijuana: 70g to 250g

Raw marijuana: 140g to 500g

Possession may result in 5 to 8 years, while production or distribution carries 6 to 9 years.

For especially large quantities:

Cannabis plant: 750g or more

Dried marijuana: 250g or more

Raw marijuana: 500g or more

Possession and storage will be punishable by 8 to 20 years or even life imprisonment.

Tougher penalties are also proposed for the sale and distribution of marijuana and cannabis products.