Pennsylvania Marijuana Possession Laws

If you’ve been charged with possession of marijuana, or marijuana paraphernalia, the stakes are high. The political landscape of Pennsylvania marijuana laws is complex. It’s not “just weed.” Even the most minor drug possession conviction can result in:

• heavy fines,
• jail time, and
• a permanent criminal record.

We will help.

You are not a drug dealer or a junkie

The skilled attorneys of The McShane Firm have the aggressive courtroom skills you need. We fight to help reduce or beat your charges. Using our advanced scientific and courtroom training, we will protect you.We defend folks against all drug charges, including:

• Marijuana Possession
• Sale or Distribution of Marijuana
• Marijuana Cultivation
• Drug Paraphernalia

Contact us today . It is a free, no obligation consultation. We’ll discuss your legal options. Getting you help root away is our priority.

Pennsylvania Marijuana Possession Penalties

Per our state’s marijuana laws, it is illegal to possess or distribute controlled substances such as marijuana. Marijuana is a federal and state Schedule I drug. It is also illegal to grow marijuana. Our state is one of the few that criminalizes smoking devices. It is called illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.

The heavy fines, possible jail time, and permanent criminal record that come with a drug possession conviction can complicate your life for years to come. That’s why it’s important to have an aggressive defense attorney, At The McShane Firm, all of our attorneys have highly-specialized drug training. We know more than the police officer who charged you. We will use that training in court to fight.

Sentencing

Sentencing for marijuana possession convictions vary greatly. It depends on

• the type of drug (is it pure or is it laced),
• how much was found in your possession,
• where you are in the state.

For example, the courts in Central PA take marijuana prosecution to a much higher level than Philly. Penalties may range from minor probation and fines to long periods in jail. And the laws in PA are changing all the time. Below is an overview of the current typical penalties for marijuana in PA.

Marijuana Penalties Overview

Type:

Possession

Amount:

Under 30g

Maximum Charge:

Misdemeanor

Maximum Penalty:

30 days in prison and/or $500 fine

Type:

Sale or Distribution

Amount:

less than 1000 pounds 

Maximum Charge:

Felony

Maximum Penalty:

5 years in prison and $15,000 fine

Additional recommended reading:

• THE MYTH OF SPECIFIC IDENTIFICATION OF MARIJUANA IN CRIMINAL COURT PART 1: WHAT IS THE GOAL AND THE PURPOSE TESTING OF UNKNOWNS GENERALLY?
• THE MYTH OF SPECIFIC IDENTIFICATION OF MARIJUANA IN CRIMINAL COURT PART 2: HOW IS MOST MARIJUANA TESTING CONDUCTED IN THE UNITED STATES?

Know Your Rights

As you can see, even the most minor drug possession charge can put your future in jeopardy. Marijuana laws in PA are a minefield. But remember: being accused of a crime is not the same as being convicted. You have options.