In Maryland, drug crimes are strictly prosecuted and often severely punished. Marijuana, or cannabis, is the most widely abused drug in both the U.S. and the world as a whole. Because of the recent changes in many states concerning medical marijuana use, law enforcement has cracked down on illegitimate users. Today, medical marijuana is legal in Maryland for qualifying patients. Individuals who are not licensed to use medical marijuana can be punished for possessing or using the drug. The most common marijuana offense committed is marijuana possession and though it does not seem serious, it can, in fact, carry stiff drug penalties under certain circumstances.
Types of Marijuana Crimes
There are many different drug crimes in the state that apply to all illegal drugs including marijuana. These crimes include:
- Possession
- Administering the drug to another
- Obtaining or attempting to obtain the drug
- Distribution/sale
- Dispensing
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Manufacturing
- Possession of drug-producing machinery, equipment, or instruments
- Creation, distribution, or possession of the drug labeled and/or packaged as another
- Keeping a vehicle, building, dwelling, or other place where the drug is administered or where the drug or controlled paraphernalia are produced, stored, distributed, or concealed
Penalties for Marijuana Crimes
As of 2019, Maryland has decriminalized possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana. If you are caught in possession of less than 10 grams, you will face only a civil penalty with a relatively small fine. However, a person who is found guilty of possessing more than 10 grams of marijuana can be charged with a misdemeanor and be sentenced to a maximum imprisonment of one year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. On top of that, if you are found guilty of marijuana possession with intent to distribute, the penalties can be much more severe.
Get the Aggressive Representation You Need
The penalties for drug crimes in Maryland may vary slightly depending on the crime, but many involve a felony charge with a prison sentence and a hefty fine. Just because the drug is marijuana does not mean a prosecutor will go easy on you. Unless you fall under the small percentage of residents that can claim medical use as a defense, you are going to need to protect your legal rights and fight against excessive penalties. If you have been charged with a marijuana crime, you deserve skilled legal representation. At Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys, our marijuana defense lawyers in Maryland can build a strong defense on your behalf. Contact us at (301) 262-7005 for a free consultation.