Drug Laws
Throughout the United States using, selling or possessing illegal drugs is a criminal offense. So what are the different drug laws that must be adhered to, and what are the possible punishments for each offense?
Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Laws
These laws make it illegal to grow any illegal substances. This applies to many common drugs such as marijuana or psilocybin mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms). They also make it illegal to possess certain plants or other natural elements that are used in the production of illegal drugs. Furthermore, drug manufacturing laws make it illegal to produce or create illegal substances such as cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or LSD. These produced substances require certain laboratory equipment and chemicals.
An example of this is the following: the police enter into Lydia’s apartment. Lydia has the lab equipment and chemicals necessary to develop ecstasy. From this she will be arrested and face trial for violating drug cultivation and manufacturing laws.
Furthermore, if you are cultivating a large number of plants you can be charged with cultivation with the intent to distribute. For example, if you live in Florida and are caught with more than 25 marijuana plants in your home you can be charged with the intent to distribute and sell, which is a second degree felony in the state of Florida.
Drug Possession Laws
Drug possession laws make it illegal to intentionally possess illegal substances such as marijuana, heroin, LSD, and more. Possession laws can also make it illegal to own the chemicals necessary to manufacturing illegal controlled substances. The punishment for these laws varies according to drug type, amount and geographic area. They usually have a fine component and depending on the severity will require the incarceration of the individual found guilty of possessing drugs. However, when a person is found in possession of a large quantity of an illegal substance they can be charges with “possession with intent to distribute”.
Drug Distribution and Trafficking Laws
Drug distribution and trafficking laws prohibit the selling, transportation and illegal import of illegal substances. The punishment for these offenses varies depending on a number of factors, such as: drug type, amount, geographic area and whether or not minors were targeted in the drug sales. These laws can be applied to individuals or groups of involved persons. These are some of the most severely punished drug laws, usually requiring large fines and extensive jail time.