Know Your Rights: Weighing Your Options

Published February 27, 2007
One Comment (at bottom of article)

by Nicole Vincent-Roller

Despite the beliefs of some out-of-staters and hopeful hippies, it is never legal to be in possession of any amount of marijuana in the state of Vermont. That said, if you do happen to find yourself the custodian of a dime-bag (by accident, of course) it’s important that you know the weight of the responsibility- literally. In the legal world, the difference of a single gram can be the difference between a misdemeanor, a relatively minor offense, and a felony conviction. However arbitrary the distinctions might be, an extra gram or two can lose you your right to vote, bear arms or run for public office in many states. So be aware, be careful, and use accurate scales. The types of crime and corresponding punishments based on the quantity of pot in your possession are as follows:

Possession Charges

Simple Possession:
If you are caught with less than two ounces, the punishment is 6 months in jail and/or a fine of $500 for a first offense. On a second conviction of simple possession you can be charged with an enhancement, which carries a maximum of 2 yrs and/or a fine of $2000, but it’s still a misdemeanor; in order for it to be a felony charge, it has to be punishable by more than two years.

Felony Possession:
I. Possession of more than 2 ounces, or cultivating more than three plants, is punishable by a maximum of 3 years in prison and/or a fine of $10,000- and even itty bitty plants not worth the fertilizer you’ve been giving them count.

II. Possession of a pound or more, or cultivation of more than 10 plants (again, even small, immature plants with no THC content) is punishable by 5 years in prison and/or a fine of $100,000.

III. Possession of 10 pounds or more, or cultivation of more than 25 plants is punishable by15 years in prison and/or a fine of $500,000.

Selling or Dispensing Charges

Misdemeanor Selling or Dispensing:
If you are caught selling or dispensing less than aggregate weight of 1/2 ounce, it is punishable by 2 years in prison and/or $10,000.

Felony Selling or Dispensing:

I. If you are caught selling or dispensing a 1/2 ounce or more, it is punishable by 5 years in prison and/or a fine of $100,000.

II. If you are caught selling or dispensing 1 pound or more, it is punishable by 15 years in prison and/or a fine of $500,000.

Of course, The Water Tower neither condones nor encourages drug use. We’re just out to make sure that that cloud of smoke doesn’t cloud your judgement further.

The Water Tower is not responsible for any actions or interactions you have with law enforcement. Please think before you act and act responsibly. We offer you our best research, however, The Water Tower is not an attorney.

Print This Article

Comments