As more states in the nation are relaxing or eliminating their marijuana possession laws, you might find yourself confused as to what you are and aren’t allowed to do with the substance. At a federal level, cannabis remains a schedule one narcotic, which carries with it strict sentencing.
Locally, there are several marijuana possession laws, some of which remain harsher than others. For the justice system, it seems as if the reason behind your arrest is more important than what you got caught holding.
Below are some facts regarding local laws, as well as what your potential punishment could be. Think twice before lighting up in the Quaker State.
Possession Amounts
The highest amount you want to get caught with is 30 grams, preferably far less. At this amount, you might only walk away with a $500 fine, or if you get arrested, you might get a conditional release, primarily as a first-time offender.
While 30 grams can land you in jail for a month, anything more can get you up to one year. And you’ll pay a much steeper fine of $5,000.
If it gets deemed that you had the intention of selling marijuana, your conviction goes from a misdemeanor to a felony. If you were arrested selling to a minor or near an educational building, you could expect several more years tacked onto your sentence.
Cultivation
In the hands of an amateur, you won’t expect much harvesting from one cannabis plant. However, in the hands of the wrong people, an entire industrialized operation can spring up overnight.
Some criminals set up shop in low-income rental properties, while others decide to cultivate plants in their own home. And while your reason for growing might be solely for personal use, it doesn’t make you any less guilty.
In our region, growing just one plant stays considered a felony that can send you to prison for up to five years, and fines of at least $15,000. If children are also living in the house, you could face additional charges.
Paraphernalia
Shockingly, paraphernalia charges are harsher than possession in many cases. Simply owning paraphernalia can get you in trouble, with sales even more so.
Luckily, it’s still a misdemeanor, even selling to a buyer at least three years younger than you. You will, however, still receive several years in prison and fines of $5,000.
