Georgia has some pretty strict drug laws, so it's important to know what you're dealing with if you live there or are just passing through. The state groups drugs into five different categories, or "schedules," based on how dangerous they are and whether they have any medical use.
Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous. These include things like heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. They have no accepted medical use and are completely illegal. Schedule II drugs, like cocaine and meth, are also pretty risky, but doctors can prescribe them in certain situations. Then, you’ve got Schedules III, IV, and V, which include drugs with less potential for abuse, like steroids, Xanax, and even some cough medicines that contain a bit of codeine.
Now, if you get caught with drugs in Georgia, things can get serious fast. For instance, having less than an ounce of marijuana might not seem like a big deal, but it's still a misdemeanor. That could mean up to a year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. But if you’re caught with even a tiny amount of harder stuff, like heroin or meth, that’s a felony. Depending on the drug and how much you have, you could be looking at 1 to 15 years in prison.
The penalties get even steeper if you’re caught with the intent to sell, especially if you’re near a school or park. In those cases, you could face much longer jail time and bigger fines. And if you’re involved in drug trafficking—like moving large amounts of cocaine or heroin—you could be looking at a minimum of 5 years in prison and fines that go up to $100,000.
When it comes to marijuana, Georgia hasn’t fully legalized it. They’ve allowed low-THC cannabis oil for some medical conditions, but recreational use is still off the table. There’s even a quirky law that requires people to buy state-issued stamps for any marijuana they possess, although this law isn’t really enforced.
Georgia also takes driving under the influence of drugs very seriously. If you’re caught with any illegal drugs in your system while driving, you can expect some tough penalties.