Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> California Criminal Defense Blog

Criminal Law

: California Criminal Defense Blog

California Marijuana Law: Easy on Users, Harsh on Sellers

By Neil Shous, Esq.

California law draws a sharp distinction between marijuana for personal use versus cultivating marijuana or selling marijuana. The former triggers only a small fine and no jail time. The latter can land a person in state prison for years. Under health & safety code 11357, a person possessing less than an ounce of pot can be punished by no more than a $100 fine. But if he tries to sell the weed or is found to possess the marijuana for sale, he can be charged with a felony and sent to prison for up to 3 years. The policy aims of the legislature are clear: give casual users no more than a slap on the wrist, but go after growers and sellers with a fierce sword. In fact, the penalties for selling or possessing for sale marijuana nearly match those pertaining to illicit drugs such as cocaine or heroin...continue to full post

Full post as published by California Criminal Defense Blog on July 03, 2009 (boomark / email).