Connecticut Laws regarding Marijuana
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Unlike various other states, the state of Connecticut does not allow any legal form of possession, whether medical or not. However according to recent politics, marijuana may soon be legalized in Connecticut. Nonetheless all those in possession of marijuana are to be charged accordingly.
Also, unlike other states, Connecticut has a stamp tax on any form of marijuana over the weight of 42.5 grams. This tax includes a three-dollar fifty-cent addition per gram with a two hundred percent tax, up to six years in prison, and a fine up to ten thousand dollars. Judges are legally obligated to administer a minimum imprisonment charge and no less for all possession cases, regardless of other circumstances. Under this law and the specific crime, an individual will automatically be served a minimum sentence with the possibility of obtaining more time.
Possession Penalties
The penalties outside of the mandatory minimum amounts are based on the number of prior offenses and the amount in possession. An individual who has never before been charged with a possession offense will subsequently have a lesser penalty than an individual who has previously been charged. A first-time offender in possession of a usable amount of marijuana will be charged with a misdemeanor offense and be penalized through a one thousand-dollar fine and no more than one year in jail. A second-time or subsequent offender in possession of a usable amount will be charged with a felony offense and be penalized through a fine no more than three thousand dollars and imprisonment time up to five years.
Possessing more than four ounces of marijuana is considered a felony offense under all circumstances. A first-time offender possessing this amount will be punished through a fine no more than two thousand dollars and no more than five years in prison. A second-time offender will be punished through a fine no more than five thousand dollars and imprisonment time of no more than ten years. Possessing marijuana on or within fifteen hundred feet of school property is considered a felony, despite the number of prior offenses, and carries penalties of two years in jail as the mandatory minimum.
Sale and Cultivation
Selling and cultivating marijuana is considered a felonious offense, no matter the amount. Cultivating and selling any amount of marijuana can result in a fine of twenty-five thousand dollars and up to seven years in prison. Selling to a minor will result in a mandatory minimum sentence of three years with a possibility of more jail time. Selling marijuana within fifteen hundred feet or on school property, public housing, or a daycare facility will result in a mandatory minimum charge of three years, with the possibility of a greater charge.
Paraphernalia
Possessing paraphernalia is considered a misdemeanor is Connecticut and can result in a five hundred-dollar fine and three months in jail. Possessing paraphernalia on or within fifteen hundred feet of school property can result in a mandatory minimum of one year in jail.
Driving
Unlike many other states, Connecticut does not have any specific laws in relation to driving under the influence of marijuana.
