Augusta-Richmond County, GA Public Conduct: Public Marijuana Use (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Augusta-Richmond County Code § 3-7-33
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine, 60 days jail
- Enforcement
- Sheriff's Department
- Exception
- Bona fide medical or scientific purposes
- Enhanced zone
- On or near schools, prisons, jails
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County ordinance makes it unlawful to possess, smoke, or distribute marijuana anywhere in the county, with a heightened ban near schools and correctional facilities, enforced apart from state drug law.
It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, compound, mix, cultivate, grow or otherwise prepare or produce, sell, barter, smoke, exchange, give away, dispense, distribute, leave with, dispose of, deliver, administer, prescribe or offer to do any of them, possess or have under his control any marijuana, except for bona fide medical or scientific purposes, or for the bona fide purpose of applying marijuana for such medical or scientific purposes.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Section 3-7-33 of the Augusta-Richmond County Code bans manufacturing, growing, possessing, smoking, selling, or giving away marijuana anywhere in the county except for bona fide medical or scientific purposes. A tougher version of the same ban applies on or near any school, college, prison, or jail. The ordinance exempts common carriers, warehousemen, public officers, and their employees acting within lawful duties. Violators face a misdemeanor conviction under Section 3-7-44: a fine up to $1,000.00 and up to 60 days in the Augusta-Richmond County Jail, enforced through the Sheriff's Department.
Violations & Fines
Misdemeanor under Section 3-7-44: fine up to $1,000.00 and/or jail up to 60 days in the Augusta-Richmond County Jail, enforced by the Sheriff's Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is marijuana legal to use in Augusta-Richmond County?
What happens if someone is caught with marijuana near a school in Augusta?
Who enforces Augusta-Richmond County's marijuana ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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