Is Georgia’s drug policy a rejection of repression? Drug-related issues are a complex and ambiguous topic in modern day Georgia. The legislation of the country that regulates drug policy and its strict implementation for many years causes heavy and unjustified harm to drug users and their families.
Criminal prosecution for illegal acquisition and possession of drugs often leads to long imprisonment and a large fines for those who have done nothing bad. The Criminal Code provides for a four- or seven-year sentence for the purchase and possession of drugs. For example, half a gram of cocaine or one gram of ecstasy can cause a prison sentence of 20 years. But despite tough legislation, the threat of prison did not solve the problem.
Previously, the topic of drugs in the media was completely tabooed, but today this topic is widely discussed in society and at the political level. Strictly speaking, the country defined certain steps to liberalize drug policies.
In recent years, many actions have been held and powerful campaigns have been organized through social networks, requiring changes in legislation. The film “Georgia. Big Drug Reforms of a Small Country” tells about people who use drugs, activists, public figures and politicians who have managed to reverse the repressive nature of Georgian drug policies.
