Possession of two ounces or less of cannabis is a misdemeanour and is punishable by up to one year incarceration and a fine up to $1,000. Possession of less than eight ounces is sentenced to up to two years imprisonment and a fine up to $2,000. For less than one pound, the consequence raises to a possible five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Possession of 10 pounds or less is penalized by up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. For quantities over 10 pounds, the penalty is up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine up to $15,000.
A positive urine test or other evidence of recent marijuana use is considered possession and is punished as such.
Inhabiting a room where marijuana is being stored or used is punishable my up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Transferring less than one-half ounce of cannabis for no remuneration is punishable by not less than 15 days and not more than one year incarceration and a fine up to $1,000. Production, delivery or sale of one ounce or less is punishable by up to two years incarceration and a fine up to $2,000. For quantities less than eight ounces the penalties raise to a possible five years in prison and a fine up to $5,000. Production, delivery or sale of less than one pound carries a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000. For any quantities of one pound or more, the penalty raises to a possible 15 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000.
All convictions for sale, production or distribution carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 month for the first offence and one year for the second or subsequent offence.
Any sale to a minor is sentenced to up to ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. Any sale within 1,000 feet of a school property or within 500 feet of a youth center, public pool or video arcade carries a consequence of a five-year mandatory minimum prison sentence.
The use or possession of paraphernalia is sentenced to up to a month in jail and a fine up to $200.
Mandatory minimum sentence: When an individual is convicted of a violation 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 right to sentence the individual to less time than the mandatory minimum. A convict serving an MMS for a federal violation and for most state offences will not be eligible for parole. Even peaceful cannabis users sentenced to "life MMS" must serve a life sentence with no chance of parole.
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