Giorgi Margvelashvili's Opinions on Drug Production in Georgia

At a press conference on Tuesday, President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili stated his opinions on drug production.  In short, the President said that he is against the production of all narcotic drugs.  Debates over the issue remain unclear at this point for the president.  However, on the whole, Margvelashvili feels that if Georgia allows and pushes for this type of drug production, it will potentially harm the Georgian people as well as how other nations view Georgia.

Margvelashvili supported his opinions by further elaboration.  He explained that he does not look down upon drug users, stating that he has pardoned many drug dealers and does not view them as harsh criminals.  However, he does not support the idea of Georgia becoming a drug producing nation.  One reason is due to the potential inability to control the production and the risk of the spread of disease and illness.  Another reason has to do with foreign policy.  If Georgia becomes a drug producing country, other countries would be less likely to support and work with Georgia. Margvelashvili wants a more admirable name for Georgia than that of a marijuana and narcotics producing nation.  

By Shirin Mahdavi