Julie Gardener
New Member
District of Columbia Marijuana Penalties
Possession
♦ Any amount - misdemeanor Incarceration 6 months Fine $1,000
♦ Eligible for probation with first conviction, dismissal of charges upon completion
Sale or Cultivation
♦ Any amount - felony Incarceration 5 years Fine $50,000
♦ Within 1000 feet of school or other specified area - felony Incarceration double penalty Fine double penalty
♦ Sale to minor - felony Incarceration double penalty Fine double penalty
Miscellaneous (paraphernalia, license suspensions, drug tax stamps, etc...)
♦ Paraphernalia possession - misdemeanor Incarceration 30 days Fine $100
♦ Paraphernalia sale - misdemeanor Incarceration 6 months Fine $1,000
♦ Paraphernalia sale to a minor - felony Incarceration 8 years Fine $15,000
♦ Any conviction can result in suspension of driver's license, 6 months - 2 years.
Details
Possession of any amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. First time offenders are eligible for probation and dismissal of the charges upon successful completion of the probation contract.
The cultivation, sale or delivery of any amount of marijuana is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If the distribution occurs within 1000 feet of a school, pool, playground, arcade, library, youth center, or public housing or if the distribution is made to a minor the penalties can be doubled.
Upon conviction of a drug offense, the offender's driver's license can be suspended from six months to two years.
The possession of paraphernalia is punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $100 fine. The sale of paraphernalia is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 unless the sale is made to a minor, in which case the penalty increases to a possible eight years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Conditional release: The state allows conditional release or alternative or diversion sentencing for people facing their first prosecutions. Usually, conditional release lets a person opt for probation rather than trial. After
successfully completing probation, the individual's criminal record does not reflect the charge.
Medical marijuana: This state has medical marijuana laws enacted. Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief, nausea, spasticity, glaucoma, and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant and emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors, and are neuroprotective.
For more information about the Washington DC Marijuana Act
Warning: The information contained in this report is for informational purposes only. Individuals are encouraged to confirm their state's laws before engaging in any particular behavior, or before going to court without a lawyer. Marijuana laws and penalties change rapidly and are enforced and interpreted differently even in the same legal jurisdiction. Please consult a criminal defense lawyer if you have been busted or if you want to know how a particular conduct might be punished. If you spot an error or have information that should be included please let us know.
Be informed and be well.
See Washington D.C.: Medical Marijuana Law Overview and State Fines/Penalties for more up to date information regarding state laws and penalties.