New York Marijuana Laws: Is Marijuana Legal in New York?

Possession of marijuana is illegal in New York. Currently, there are state bills working their way through New York’s legislative process that would legalize medical marijuana if passed. Even if medical marijuana were made legal according to New York state law, it would still be illegal by federal law. Note that marijuana is spelled “marihuana” in all New York statutes.

What are the Penalties for the Possession of Marijuana in New York?

If you are arrested for charges relating to possession of marijuana in New York, the penalties you face will often depend on the amount of marijuana you possessed and your intended use for it. Unlike many other states, New York does not have laws that differentiate between the possession of plants and ready-to-use marijuana. New York’s marijuana penalties are based entirely on the weight of the amount possessed. Penalties range from fines to incarceration, and can also include court-imposed marijuana addiction treatment. Because of New York’s reliance on weight, individuals stopped with smaller amounts for personal use face much lesser penalties than those who have large amounts or who intend to sell the marijuana. Individuals possessing synthetic forms of marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinols) or concentrated marijuana (hashish) typically face stiffer penalties than those who possess actual, organic marijuana. However, the marijuana-imitating substance known as K2 (which contains cannabinoids) is still legal in New York.

You do not have to be caught in the act of selling marijuana to face charges for attempt to distribute marijuana. Possessing a large amount of marijuana, measuring equipment, baggies, or other paraphernalia can be enough to warrant a charge, and all will be used as evidence of your intent to sell. The table below illustrates the penalties individuals face for specific acts related to the possession and distribution of marijuana under New York law. Keep in mind that separate penalties exist and can be enforced under federal law. Because this interplay of state and federal law can often become confusing, consulting an experienced New York criminal attorney can be the best thing you can do to understand the penalties you may face and the defenses that may be available to you.

New York Marijuana Penalties Table

1. Offenses must take place within 3 years of each other to be considered subsequent offenses.
2. Minimum sentences vary for felonies depending on several circumstances. As such, the table above only includes maximums.
3. New York has a “three strikes” law. Consequently, a third felony can result in a life sentence.
4. Maximum fines may be increased depending on the amount of money the accused made from the sale of marijuana.

Follow this link for more information about New York Marijuana Laws and New York Medical Marijuana Laws