Cannabis Law

The global outlook of cannabis law is beyond the scope of this web site. Therefore only the general US marijuana law is shown here.

According to marijuana law possession of marijuana is an arrestable offense. For possession of an amount of one kilogram (2.2 lbs) or less, the crime is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. For possession of any amount over one kilogram, the crime is a felony, punishable by 1 - 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

The U.S. marijuana law states that the sale, cultivation or manufacture of marijuana, by law is a felony offense. If the amount is one kilogram or less, the mandatory minimum sentence is three years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. For an amount greater than one kilogram but less than 100 lbs, the sentence is a minimum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. For an amount up to 500 lbs, the sentence is a minimum of 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Any amount of 1,000 lbs or greater is punishable by life without the possibility of parole.

The penalties for sale of marijuana, according to the marijuana law, are enhanced if the sale takes place within a three-mile radius of a school or public housing project, adding five years to the sentence for the sale. Sale to minors (under 18) can increase the penalty by 10 years to life in prison, and no suspension or probation can be granted.
The possession or sale of drug paraphernalia, according to marijuana law, is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. If the paraphernalia is sold to a minor at least three years younger than the seller, the penalty becomes a felony and is punishable by 2 - 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The marijuana law also states that any conviction for possession, sale, manufacture or cultivation also results in the suspension of the offender's driver's license for a period of six months.