The State of Pennsylvania is currently juggling whether or not medical
marijuana should be allowed to treat patients suffering from chronic medical
conditions. The new bills that are under scrutiny could potentially allow
dispensaries to both grow and distribute marijuana legally to patients
and physicians.Until these bills are passed, however,
marijuana laws in Pennsylvania continue to be strict and complex. Understanding these laws can help ensure
that you make the most of your rights involving medical marijuana.
What Is a Schedule I Drug?
Marijuana is considered a Schedule I substance in Pennsylvania. Drugs listed
as Schedule I are considered some of the most dangerous available, as
they are deemed to have a high potential for addiction and no generally
recognized value. Without getting too deeply into it, this classification
is a hot topic of debate and organizations all across the country, such as the
American Trade Association of Cannabis and Hemp (ATACH), continue to lobby for the medical and practical uses of marijuana.
Such groups also consider marijuana to be non-addictive, furthering their
reasons for challenging Pennsylvania State laws. For now, though, it is
a Schedule I substance in the eyes of the law and thus carries harsh penalties
when involved with a crime.
Marijuana Possession Laws
Anyone who is knowingly in possession of marijuana in Pennsylvania is committing
a serious crime. It should be noted that possession does not necessarily
mean on your body, but could also include having the substance on your
private property, such as in your car or in your room. Penalties for such
actions could be as severe as:
- $500 to $5000 in fines
- One month to one year in jail
Marijuana Manufacturing and Distribution
To cultivate or distribute marijuana is also, under current laws, a criminal
act. The penalties are much harsher than simply possessing it and, in
cases involving distributing it for profit, the punishments get even worse.
Distribution and manufacturing penalties will scale depending on how much
of the substance was involved, and could include:
-
$5000 to
$100,000 fines
-
One to
ten years in prison
It should also be noted that making, advertising, or selling marijuana
paraphernalia is still strictly illegal in Pennsylvania. This means you
could be hit with a high fine or time behind bars for dealing with anything
that could be used for growing, processing, storing, or using the drug.
What Does This Mean for Me?
As of right now, the laws surrounding marijuana use in Pennsylvania seem
to be far too strict in the public eye, hence the possible upcoming reform.
With many studies indicating the potential usefulness of marijuana and
hemp, there has been a significant legal push to revise current legal
standards and open the door for the lawful production and use of these
substances in Pennsylvania.
If you have questions concerning medical cannabis, contact Sacks Weston
Diamond LLC today. With
100+ years of combined experience at our disposal, we are ready counsel you and provide the representation
necessary to protect your rights. Schedule your
complimentary and confidential consultation today.