Gary Long
ON THE RECORD · 6 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“But here is the reality: the black market isn't going away,”
Gary Long · said 2026-08-25 · reported 2026-08-25
Sheriff Gary Long used the seizure of 1,800 pounds of suspected black-market marijuana to argue that legalizing marijuana does not eliminate illegal sales.
“Georgia, let's get it right the first time,”
Gary Long · said 2026-08-25 · reported 2026-08-25
Long argued that lawmakers need to consider how illegal sales and trafficking would fit into any changes to Georgia law.
“That should be a warning to Georgia,”
Gary Long · said 2026-08-25 · reported 2026-08-25
Long pointed to California's changes to its cannabis tax system and past Colorado ballot initiatives seeking to repeal recreational marijuana legalization.
“As long as there is demand and money to be made, illegal dealers will continue to operate,”
Gary Long · said 2026-08-25 · reported 2026-08-25
Long argued that illegal sellers can undercut licensed marijuana businesses because they avoid taxes, licensing fees, and regulatory requirements.
“The illegal marijuana trade does not stop at the state line,”
Gary Long · said 2026-08-25 · reported 2026-08-25
Long commented on marijuana laws varying among California, Georgia, and Florida.
“We should learn from the experiences of states that have already gone down this road instead of repeating the same mistakes and then spending years trying to fix them.”
Gary Long · said 2026-08-25 · reported 2026-08-25
Long urged Georgia lawmakers to study the experiences of states that have legalized marijuana before changing Georgia's laws.