Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana or being under the influence of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of greater than 50 grams is punishable by up to 18 month in jail and a fine of up to $25,000. Any possession within 1,000 feet of a school adds an additional 100 hours or more of community service to the sentence.
Manufacture or distribution of less than one ounce of marijuana is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine up to $10,000. For amounts of one ounce or more, the penalty increases to 3 - 5 years in prison and a fine up to $25,000. Manufacture or sale of five pounds or more or cultivation of 10 - 50 plants is punishable by 5 - 10 years in prison and a fine up to $150,000. For amounts of 25 pounds or greater, or cultivation of greater than 50 plants, the penalties increase to 10 - 20 years in prison and a fine up to $300,000.
Sale or distribution of marijuana within 1,000 feet of school property or on a school bus adds the imposition of a minimum sentence. For less than one ounce of marijuana, the minimum sentence imposed is between one-third and one-half of the total sentence or one year, whichever is greater. For one ounce or more, the minimum sentence imposed is between one-third and one-half of the total sentence or three years, whichever is greater. An additional fine of up to $150,000 may also be imposed for these violations.
Sale or distribution of marijuana within 500 feet of public housing, a public park or a public building increases the possible penalties. For sale of less than one ounce, the penalty increases by 3 - 5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. Sale or distribution in these zones of one ounce or more is punishable by 5 - 10 years in prison and a fine up to $150,000.
Distribution to minors or pregnant females increases the penalty to twice the possible sentence.
Use or possession of paraphernalia is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine up to $1,000. Distribution of paraphernalia is punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine up to $10,000. Any distribution of paraphernalia to a person under 18 years of age is punishable by 3 - 5 years in prison and a fine up to $15,000. |