For as much debate as there is about legalization of marijuana, most people don’t realize that the drug is legal in 30 of the 50 states. Now, only 10 of these states allow marijuana for recreational use, but the others allow it for medicinal purposes.
In the states where marijuana is legal for recreational purposes, you don’t have to worry about being pulled over with marijuana on you. If you’re pulled over for a routine traffic stop, you won’t go to jail for having weed on your body or in the car.
If you live in a state where it’s only legal for medicinal purposes, it’s a different story. You’ll have to present a valid and current medical marijuana card if you’re caught with the drug on you.
The problems arise when you face the following:
- Carrying enough marijuana with intent to sell in a state where marijuana is recreationally legal
- Being caught with the drug on you in a medicinal state without a valid card
- Charged with possession in a state where marijuana is not legal
If any of these things happen, you really should call a criminal defense lawyer. You could be facing some pretty stiff fines and possible jail time.
Are There Really States Where Marijuana Isn’t Legal?
Most states have legalized marijuana for either recreational or medicinal use. Now, it goes without saying, if it’s legal for recreational purposes, it’s naturally allowed for medicinal purposes. However, there are still about 20 states that have not legalized the drug for either of these reasons.
Even out of these 20 states, most allow the use of CBD (marijuana oil) for certain ailments, including:
- Anxiety
- Acne
- Anti-seizure
- Pain relief
- Cancer treatment
- Neuroprotective
In order to legally buy hemp-based CBD oil, you do have to be certified by a doctor who is part of the CBD program. You can’t just buy it in a local shop. If you’re caught with CBD, you may have to prove this.
There are 4 states where marijuana isn’t legal for any use. These states are:
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
If you live in any of these states or travel through there, you better not have any marijuana-based product on you at all.
So, What is Possession Anyway?
If you get caught with marijuana in a state where it’s not legal, you could be facing some serious criminal charges. Depending on where you’re pulled over or arrested, possession can mean different things.
If you live in a state where marijuana isn’t legal for any purpose, the following will apply:
- If you’re caught with any amount of marijuana, you’ll be charged with possession
- It doesn’t matter if the drug is found on your person, in your car, or in your house. It will be deemed yours if it’s within your power and control.
- If you are caught with a small amount, it’ll be simple possession
- If you’re caught with enough to sell, you’ll be charged with possession with intent to distribute. The consequences for this offense are much worse than simple possession.
- The thresholds for each state are different
Let’s say you live in a state where marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes only. The law will apply a little differently. For example, if you have a medical marijuana card, always do the following:
- Keep the marijuana in its original container
- Carry all of your paperwork with you at all times
- Always have your medical marijuana card in your wallet
- It doesn’t give you a license to carry all types and any amount of marijuana. You can still be arrested and charged with intent to distribute or possession. For example, you can’t carry spice or wax.
Finally, in states where marijuana is legal, you still can’t carry more than a certain amount. You also can’t carry certain, dangerous strains of the drug.
What’ll Happen if I’m Charged with Possession?
If you’re charged with possession of marijuana in a non-legal state, you will face some serious penalties. For the most part, if you’re caught with a small amount, you’ll be issued a citation and have to pay a fine. Most states won’t arrest you and put you in jail for simple possession.
If it’s not your first offense, the consequences will be more serious. You can’t just get charged with simple possession over and over again without expecting something to happen. Judges won’t be so quick to allow simple citations and fines in these cases.
If you’re charged with possession with intent to distribute, you could actually face jail time. Every state has their own threshold amounts, but they’ll all similar. Basically, the lawmakers use common sense. If you have enough weed on you that you could sell to users, then they’ll presume you are selling.
If you’re charged with marijuana possession in a non-legal state, you should contact a local criminal defense attorney. You don’t want to face the consequences alone.
- What Does Marijuana Possession Mean in a Non-Legal State? - January 31, 2019
