TBILISI, Georgia, May 10 (UPI) -- The Republic of Georgia is considering the legalization of marijuana, a government minister said Friday.
David Sergeyenko, minister of Labor, Health and Social Affairs, pointed out "ban-related mechanisms," such as Georgia's laws against marijuana, "often entail a ricochet effect, which means strengthening and development of other directions," a reference to distinguishing marijuana from other drugs. He added the issue requires a "well-considered strategy" and said the legalization of marijuana could be a part of it.
Politicians in Georgia have, in the past, called for legalizing "soft drugs" such as marijuana,, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.
In 2005, Tamara Sirbiladze, chair of Georgia's Council for Drug Policy, said legalizing marijuana could reduce the number of drug-related crimes.
