Laws, Limits and Penalties
Offense | Penalty | Incarceration | Max. Fine |
Possession | |||
Less than 1 oz | not classified | n/a | $ 100 |
More than 1 oz | misdemeanor | 60 days | $ 500 |
Any amount in a school zone | misdemeanor | 1 year | $ 1,000 |
Distribution | |||
Any amount (first offense) | felony | 10 - 20 years | $ 50,000 |
Any amount (second offense) | felony | 15 years - life | $ 100,000 |
Distribution to a person under 18 years of age or on school grounds will add 3 years to the sentence. | |||
Importation/Exportation | |||
Any amount | felony | 3 - 10 years | $ 15,000 |
Hash & Concentrates | |||
Penalties for hashish are the same as for marijuana. Please see the marijuana penalties section for further details. | |||
Miscellaneous | |||
Any use of a person under the age of 18 will add 3 years to any minimum sentence. |
Details
Decriminalization
The state has decriminalized marijuana to some degree. Typically, decriminalization means no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption. The conduct is treated like a minor traffic violation.
Mandatory Minimum Sentence
When someone is convicted of an offense punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence, the judge must sentence the defendant to the mandatory minimum sentence or to a higher sentence. The judge has no power to sentence the defendant to less time than the mandatory minimum. A prisoner serving an MMS for a federal offense and for most state offenses will not be eligible for parole. Even peaceful marijuana smokers sentenced to "life MMS" must serve a life sentence with no chance of parole.
Medical Marijuana
This state has medical marijuana laws enacted. Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant and emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors, and are neuroprotective. For more information see: Medical Use.