Many people feel that marijuana should not be a Schedule I controlled substance with a “high potential for abuse” and with “no medical benefits.” In fact, thousands, if not millions of Americans feel that our current marijuana laws are highly outdated and should be revised.
In the last 20 years, there has been a growing body of research that proves that marijuana does have quite a few “medical uses,” and more and more scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals are coming out and supporting the medical benefits of marijuana and lawmakers across the nation are taking notice.
Today, marijuana is being used to treat various medical conditions, such as AIDS or HIV, glaucoma, cancer, anxiety, seizure disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, anorexia, and neuropathic pain. It’s even been shown to reverse the carcinogenic effects of tobacco and improve lung health, who knew? Learn more about medical marijuana from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
For those who thought that smoking marijuana was as bad as smoking cigarettes or cigars, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pot does not impair lung function. Instead, the study found that it can actually increase a person’s lung capacity.
With all of the proven medical uses of marijuana, states across the country have begun softening their marijuana possession laws. As of this writing a total of 21 states have decriminalized possessing a small amount of marijuana for “personal use.”
What does ‘decriminalization’ mean?
Decriminalization means that if someone is caught with a small amount of marijuana they will not go to jail and they will not be convicted. Instead, the offense is treated much like a traffic violation.
While states like Colorado, California, Nevada, New York, and Ohio have decriminalized certain marijuana possession offenses, unfortunately Texas has not decriminalized marijuana possession yet. So, Texans will still be charged with a misdemeanor or felony if they’re caught with marijuana.
If you’re interested in learning more about marijuana reform in Texas, click here.
Texas penalties for marijuana possession:
- Possessing 2 ounces or less is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail, and a maximum fine of $2,000.
- Possessing 2 to 4 ounces is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail, and a maximum fine of $4,000.
- Possessing 4 ounces to 5 pounds is a felony, punishable by 6 months to 2 years behind bars, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Possessing 5 to 50 pounds is a felony, punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, and a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Possessing 50 to 2000 pounds is a felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $10,000.
If you sell, deliver, or give away 7 grams or less of marijuana, it’s a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000.
Facing marijuana charges in Denton, Texas? Contact Derek A. Adame, Attorney at Law for the aggressive defense representation you deserve!