How much marijuana is a felony?
In recent years, the debate about marijuana legislation has gained momentum, and many countries are rethinking their stance on the controversial drug. The laws around marijuana vary from country to country, with some recognizing its medicinal value and criminalizing it to varying degrees, while others have banned it entirely.
Differences in US States vs. Federal Laws
Within the United States, drug laws vary between states. While some states have decriminalized or legalized the use of marijuana, including recreational use and possession up to a certain amount (e.g., Illinois, Massachusetts, and several others), others strictly enforce federal drug laws and consider marijuana illegal.
As of 2022, 12 states have legalized weed for recreational use, which means adults over 21 can purchase it from a licensed store without a doctor’s prescription or medical permission. Additionally, 15 states have medical marijuana legalized, where medical professionals must prescribe the medication for patient use.
Meanwhile, on the federal level, marijuana remains categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance**, which criminalizes the plant and penalties for possession are severe".
The Numbers: Weight and Quantity-Based Felony Thresholds
To date, no exact weight is universally defined as the misdemeanor-to-felony border. Instead, the courts and legislatures have divided the issue along quantity rather than weight guidelines. Courts have traditionally ruled that 28.35 grams equals 1 ounce, considered a small volume for pot.
In recent years, some states have introduced statutes that clarify and standardize the amounts.
Table: Felony Thresholds By State (US)
| State | Felony Limit (ounces or grams) |
|---|---|
| Colorado | 1 ounce (30 grams) |
| Minnesota | 14.59 grams |
| Alaska | 28.34 grams (1 pound) |
| California | 28.35 grams (1 ounce, but varies county-by-county) |
Washington State, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, and Tennessee_ still classify marijuana quantity-based crimes**, but since there are different laws depending on the circumstance, clarity is subjective and may only be understood once a ruling is made or a public policy decision made.
State laws also contain exceptions.
Table: Exceptions For Felony Consequences by State (US)
| State | Exception circumstances |
|---|---|
| Nevada | One-time exception allowed for prior convictions or a second prior offense |
| Oregon | Prior conviction allowed for multiple offenses |
When it gets to a specified weight within the lawfully allowed permissibility levels, prosecution for drug felonies based on marijuana or other banned substances typically does not imply a crime until the sum of these units exceeds more than once amount.
Impact on Lives and Societies
Crimes, legal or societal, linked with marijuana use not only create potential legal worries but also consequences for work, relationships, and housing. Marijuana and other controversial substances may make it difficult or impossible for individuals to have a work permit or an apartment contract**".
Medical Marijuana’s Evolution
The concept of medical marihuana goes back the 1970s’, and during the previous decade, efforts to bring it under legalization were increasing. However, it wasn’t until the 1994 California initiative 185 was approved under the proposition in 94**"" that momentum gained and became a symbol of this battle.
Despite the significant breakthroughs from the states legalizing recreation and medicinal consumption, debates continue regarding full legalization, whether it would mean a 100% risk-free endeavor, or potential consequences will be considered or ignored_.
In essence, without a federal-level change supporting the laws surrounding marijuana control, state legislatures tend to enforce mildly relaxed local laws.
