Beckley Briefind Paper Number 15: Drug Control in Georgia: Drug Testing and the Reduction of Drug Use?

This Beckley Foundation Drug Policy Programme briefing paper examines some current issues surrounding drug policy in the Republic of Georgia. The authors argue that, despite endorsing a balanced approach to dealing with the consequences of an expanding illicit drug market, Georgian authorities remain overly reliant on enforcement oriented policies. This is particularly the case with regard to a recently introduced coercive drug testing regime.
The brief examines the negative consequences of the testing programme, argues that testing and incarceration do little to reduce drug use, and concludes that Georgian officials should adopt a truly balanced drug policy in line with most members of the EU: an organization Georgia is keen to strengthen its ties with.