The state of Mississippi currently criminalizes the possession, sale, cultivation, and use of marijuana in any amount for all users of the drug. Since the drug has not been cleared for medical purposes within the state all users are considered to be breaking the law. There are harsher penalties and fines for people possessing, selling, or using the drug near a school or park. A Mississippi marijuana attorney should be contacted by a person charged with a marijuana offense. If a private marijuana lawyer is not financially feasible for the offender then a court-appointed counsel should be provided. On Mississippi’s top ten cash crop list, the drug marijuana falls in at number three. Between the years of 1995 and 2002 there were over 82,100 arrests related to marijuana in the state of Mississippi.
Medical Marijuana Users
In the state of Mississippi, medical marijuana is not allowed, and therefore, possession of any amount will be treated as the applicable charges for criminal possession.
Non-Medical Users
Currently in the state of Mississippi, all users of marijuana are considered non-medical users or recreational users of the drug since there are no medical marijuana laws in effect.
Penalties for Marijuana Use or Possession in Mississippi
|
30g or less for first offense |
Misdemeanor which is a summons only and no arrest |
There is no incarceration but a fine of $100-$250 |
|
30 to 250g |
Felony |
Penalties include three years in prison and a $3,000 fine |
|
250 to 500g |
Felony |
Penalties include two to eight years in prison and a fine of $50,000 |
|
500g to 5kg |
Felony |
Penalties include six to 24 years in prison and a fine of $500,000 |
|
5kg or more |
Felony |
Penalties include 10 to 30 years in prison and a fine of $1,000,000 |
|
30g or less within a motor vehicle (except trunk) |
Misdemeanor |
Penalties include 90 days in prison and a fine of $1,000 |
Sale
|
Less than 1oz |
Felony |
Penalties include three years in prison and a $3,000 fine |
|
1oz to 1kg |
Felony |
Penalties include 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine |
|
1kg to 10lbs |
Felony |
Penalties include 30 years in prison and a fine of $5,000-$1,000,000 |
|
More than 10lbs |
Felony |
Penalties include life without parole and variable fines |
|
To a minor |
Felony |
Double penalty for incarceration and double penalty for fines |
|
Within 1,500 feet of school, church and other specified areas |
Felony |
Double penalty for incarceration and double penalty for fines |
Trafficking
The state of Mississippi does not have separate laws governing the trafficking of marijuana but there is a law governing the use or possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Any conviction for possession or sale of marijuana paraphernalia will result in the suspension of a driver’s license for six months. The charge will also come with six months in jail and a fine of $500. Any second or subsequent offenses will double the penalties that are incurred during a first offense. A charge of paraphernalia possession might not be brought against an offender if they are charged with less than one ounce of marijuana.
Penalties for Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
The state of Mississippi does not have separate laws governing the offense for driving under the influence of marijuana. Instead, offenders of this crime will face the same fines and penalties for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of illegal drugs.
Legal Help with a Marijuana Offense
A marijuana lawyer should be contacted by anyone charged with a marijuana offense in order to build a competent defense for the case. Not all cases in the state of Mississippi are handled with punitive sentences. Instead, some first possession offenders will be sentenced to rehabilitation. An experienced marijuana attorney will know which plea bargain will obtain the best sentence possible.
