During the discussion in the first reading of the provisions to the Georgian Law on Narcotic Substances, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors and Narcological Aid, Tamaz Avdaliani, Member of the Parliamentary Majority, stated at the plenary session held on 26 May 2013: “I studied the literature and this ("spice") is prohibited everywhere: in Russia, Europe and the United States; here we have gone too far.”
According to the bill proposed by Tamaz Avdaliani, the so-called "spice", a narcotic substance, should be prohibited in Georgia.
"Spice" is a mildly hallucinogenic mix of dried plant material that is laced with synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabinoids are a chemical substance with a different structure. They are functionally similar to tetra-cannabinoids and cause the similar psycho-physiological reaction in a person. At the same time, synthetic cannabinoids are approximately five times stronger. Cannabinoids are included in the list of strictly prohibited drugs.
"Spice" is mostly imported to Georgia through online shopping and usually sold in three-to-five gram packages. In order to obtain the drug, a user needs only to register on the website of the online shop and then purchase the product through electronic payment. There are private companies shipping to Georgia with home delivery, as one of the service options upon request.
Chapter 33 of the Georgian Criminal Code refers to drug crimes. According to this Chapter, the illegal production, purchase, transportation, sale, import, export or transit and international shipping of illicit narcotic substances, precursors, psychotropic substances and similar drugs is prohibited and punishable by law.
The Georgian Law on Narcotic Substances, Psychotropic Substances and Precursors and Narcological Aid, List I, II, III lists prohibited drugs, wherein we see that the composed substances of "spice" are not mentioned within the list.
FactCheck decided to check whether or not the "spice" is in fact prohibited in Russia, Europe and the United States.
The Synthetic Drug Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 came into force on 10 July 2012 after it was signed by the US President, Barack Obama. The Act lists the substances included in "spice."
In Europe, "spice" is prohibited in:
- Austria since 18 December 2008
- Germany since 22 January 2009
- Finland, only used for medical purposes
- France since 24 February 2009
- Ireland since 2010
- Latvia since 1 January 2011
- Poland since May, 2009
- Romania since 15 February 2010
- Slovakia since January 2010
- Sweden since 30 July 2009
- The United Kingdom since December, 2009
