Police prosecute over 850,000 Americans annually for violating state marijuana laws. The penalties for those busted and convicted vary greatly, ranging from the imposition of small fines to license revocation to potential incarceration. But for the citizens arrested in these five states, the ramifications of even a minor pot bust are likely to be exceptionally severe.
Alternet.org’s editors recently asked me to compile a list of ‘the worst of the worst’ states to be busted for personal pot possession. Without further ado, here they are:
The 5 Worst States to Get Busted With Pot
via Alternet.org
[excerpt] 1. Oklahoma — Lawmakers in the Sooner State made headlines this spring when legislators voted 119 to 20 in favor of House Bill 1798, which enhances the state sentencing guidelines for hash manufacturing to a minimum of two years in jail and a maximum penalty of life in prison. (Mary Fallin, the state’s first-ever female governor, signed the measure into law in April; it takes effect on November 1, 2011.) But longtime Oklahoma observers were hardly surprised at lawmakers’ latest “life for pot” plan. After all, state law already allows judges to hand out life sentences for those convicted of cannabis cultivation or for the sale of a single dime-bag.
2. Texas — On an annual basis, no state arrests and criminally prosecutes more of its citizens for pot than does Texas. Marijuana arrests comprise over half of all annual arrests in the Lone Star State. It is easy to see why. In 2009, more than 97 percent of all Texas marijuana arrests — over 77,000 people — were for possession only. Those convicted face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine, even upon a first conviction.
3. Florida — According to a 2009 state-by-state analysis by researcher and former NORML Director Jon Gettman, no other state routinely punishes minor marijuana more severely than does the Sunshine State. Under Florida law, marijuana possession of 20 grams or less (about two-thirds of an ounce) is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Marijuana possession over 20 grams, as well as the cultivation of even a single pot plant, are defined by law as felony offenses – punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In recent years, state lawmakers have revisited the state’s marijuana penalties – in each case electing to enhance Florida’s already toughest-in-the-nation criminal punishments.
4. Louisiana — In Louisiana, multi-decade (or even life) sentences for repeat pot offenders are hardly a rare occurrence. Under Louisiana law, a second pot possession conviction is classified as a felony offense, punishable by up to five years in prison. Three-time offenders face up to 20 years in prison. According to a 2008 expose published in New Orleans City Business online, district attorneys are not hesitant to “target small-time marijuana users, sometimes caught with less than a gram of pot, and threaten them with lengthy prison sentences.”
5. Arizona — Forty years ago virtually every state in the nation defined marijuana possession as a felony offense. Today, only one state, Arizona, treats first-time pot possession in such an archaic and punitive manner. Under Arizona law, even minor marijuana possession offenses may be prosecuted as felony crimes, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $150,000 fine. According to Jon Gettman’s 2009 analysis only Florida consistently treats minor marijuana possession cases more severely.
For a comprehensive breakdown of state-by-state marijuana penalties, visit NORML’s online map here. To get active in changing the laws of your state, visit NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’ here, sign up for free NORML news and legislative alerts, get involved with your local NORML chapter (or start your own chapter here), and join national NORML.
Get active; get NORML!
Trillions of dollars wasted. Ten’s of thousands of lives lost. Millions of lives disrupted.
All to protect the profit of the New World Order.
Isn’t this against the law?
How about some $tati$tics on how much money states could be bringing in if they flicked off the Feds and actually opened up dispensaries, you know with licensing & taxes. So far, you have lots of states that have legalized MMJ in name only, especially on the east coast, you know, because they don’t actually have any dispensaries like California.
If there isn’t a state in the union that is having a budget crisis, somebody let me know who all the other people are who are begging to pay more taxes. Cannabis is a CASH COW! I don’t hear anybody with a better idea to resolve the budget crises. Nobody else is shouting “I’m a CASH COW! Milk me for taxes!”
Big oil was in front of Congress. They offered to give up nothing, and sure as hell don’t want to pay more in taxes. If they pass if on to the consumer, the American people won’t like it.
Legalize & tax cannabis! Are you retarded?
Thank God I live in California!
Just wanna say you obviously skipped Va…the laws are atrocious anything over 14g is a felony for starters. The state also sees fit to seize all assets that you can’t prove weren’t bought with drug money (I use the term drug loosely because that’s how they word it) if caught cultivating. Look into that!
[Paul Armentano responds: Virginia’s marijuana laws are no doubt severe, though the information regarding the threshold to trigger a felony under state law is not accurate. You can read the laws and penalties here: http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4570. NORML and Virginia NORML has testified in the past few legislative sessions on behalf of decriminalization legislation in Virginia, and continue to coordinate with state lawmakers regarding this effort. You may wish to also become involved.]
Disgusting… That’s all I can say. Why do the people let this corrupt government stand?
WOW I guess these states will be falling way behind when it comes to healthy environments and healthy people as well.People will boy cot these states who may have ordinarily added them to their vacation spots.These are all great places to ignore when planning your vacation.there ole lonely heart cabin rentals are going to be a little more lonely than usual once word gets around.imagine an empty Florida beach whewww EFFECTIVE !!!
I totally agree…
of course oklahoma and texas are numbers1 &2 on the list. i live in texas, 10 min out of oklahoma. whats up jeb?
Thanks for the list!!
In FL it’s all about the $$$. High octane MJ keeps you under 20 and most (not all) LEOs are cool, if you are honest and if it’s for personal. But, like I said, it’s all about the money. If you get busted, fines and probation (with a monthly fee) are the most common punishments given.
Can’t say what happens if you get busted multiple times for personal though. Everyone I know, myself included, seems to wise up after the first time and learns how to not get caught. Go figure.
PS- Dress/look/act like a respectable, upstanding, law-abiding citizen and suspicion isn’t even raised. I don’t consider pot-smokers criminals; you shouldn’t either. ~===O¦ CDXX
I cannot believe this kind of ignorance is still around in regards to a PLANT that has been proven to be safer than Alcohol, Perceptional pills, some foods, and tobacco
Fuck Florida lawmakers
This is crazy. I thought cruel and unusual punishment was against the law, not part of it. Norml, you guys need to make a tv commercial or something an let ALOT of people know things like this. I bet those laws would be changed/altered very fast.
Florida stoners, keep toking! I know I will!!
Hey there! Thanks to everyone at NORMAL for the news flash on Pot laws. I took a photograph of Pot growing in front of a Buffalo N.Y. police station. “High Times” magazine published it full-page back in Dec.1993. Did you get to see it??? If not I`d like to send it to you for a good laugh sometime.
WTF..This is Bullshit. This is why alot of people are moving out to california. When are we going to wake up and stop all the talk and take action against these CROOKS? Talk is over with it’s time to stand up for are rights and take back our country.
You forgot Medevil Mo your not even allowed to bring medical use in court. I was caught with 2 plants and I’m looking at 30 years as first time offender and a handicapped vet.
I’m so glad I live in Oklahoma where I can be sentenced to life in prison for making hash brownies…
What a piss poor excuse for a state. Locking up marijuana users for longer periods of time than people who molest children or commit murder. As soon as I finish school I am outta here.
What is this country coming to. There are so many crimes that deserve punishment and they will be putting everyone that should not be confined in jail. I wish the government would actually listen to the people. What happened to freedom, seems like it’s now only a word in the dictionary.
You need to add virginia. Specifically the eastern shore. Two friends of mine got busted with less than a gram. The were put on a year of probation. Has to take an AA class? And have to pay a 300 dollar fine. Also. The cops on the eastern shore use more agression when marijuana is found in the car. One of those friends were put in hand cuffs. Pushed to the back of their car. And finger printed. Also being filled in on how much that specific officer hated marijuana. If the person charged with marijuana fails a drug test during probation they must take group rehab.
This is just silly. Whoever is making the laws in those states is insanely retarded.
That is crazy put killers in jail not harmless potheads lets get real now people!
All those pale in comparison to getting caught with weeed in the “State of MOM”!
One says – “Thanks” – the other says – “Thanks – Sucker.”
The American people have been sold a bill of goods by its government. Which do you think government is saying – “Thanks” – or – “Thanks – Sucker.” The American people have been intentionally lied to, abused, locked up in prison, and entire lives and families have been ruined – all because of prohibition. How! Can this be a good thing? How!!! – please tell me – how???
Manna [food from God] is my Sacrament – given to me by God [Genesis I:29,30,31]. I accept, with thanksgiving, God’s gift of Sacrament – in CDXX Communion with my Creator.. I do this on the Sixth Day as a Celebration of Brethren.
The Sixth Day
Genesis I:29,30,31
CDXX Communion
Saturday 4:20
The Celebration of Brethren
The Reformation
The CDXX Revival
My religious use of Sacrament super-cedes all other legitimate reasons for its use – and – I’m quick to advise law-enforcement of religious use.
Kiss my tax dollars b-bye, FL. Back to WA for me!
Illinois needs to be on someones list! Don’t drive thu that state with Califoria plate unless you want to be asked repeatedly “WHERE ARE THE POUNDS OF DOPE!” as your car is torn apart and property destoyed only to have nothing found and a large chunk of your time wasted.
YIKES! Does this mean we have to quit taking any pot with us to the cockfights? LOL
Five more states I will not be visiting anytime soon.
Article please on the recent supreme court ruling allowing warrantless entry if cops smell marijuana and hear something suspicious… Obama’s two SCOTUS nominees voted in favor of this monstrosity. FUCK OBAMA.
SOME PEOPLE ARE SO IGNORANT,IT JUST BLOWS MY MIND,I HOPE THE TAX PAYERS CAN PAY FOR THIS , O I FORGOT PRIVATE PRISONS ARE… LISTED ON WALLSTREET ,ONLY IN THE (USA)…!!! DONT GET ME WRONG I LOVE MY COUNTRY…BUT SOMETIMES I WONDER IF THAY LOVE U.S. OR ARE WE JUST PAUNS IN THE BIG SCAM OR SCEEM OF THINGS…!!!GOD PLEASE HELP US ,YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE WE CAN TRUST…!!!
Laws against marihuana must end. I’m fighting with orgonite programmed with legalization ideas. Positive orgone energy constantly penetrates the minds of those prejudiced stubborns.
its my personal opinion that the state of georgia also takes possession of even less then a gram of cannibis to the extreme i have recently found this out first hand im one of thousands living with chrones disease and my body rejects my medications i turned to cannabis as a way to lessen my pains n increase my appitite i was caught with less then a gram of cannibis n sentanced to 2 years of intense probation, mind this was my first ever charge or arrest and i am actually very involved with my community and volunteer work the judge however did not take any of that into consideration when i was convited its my opinion the state of georgia would rather let an individual suffer with intense pains just to make a few grand then take the time to understand the benifits cannibis can offer when man made medications fail
Head cop Riggs in Corpus Christi is real proud of busting folk for any amount of cannabis. Sheriff said his jail is over flowing new prisoner. He really believes by busting some one who has a joint on them he is stopping the flow of drugs and putting an end to the gangs we have here
I can’t wait to move. living in OK is not ok. I hope to move to Colorado. out there a person can have at least some civil rights.
In the UK, we can be imprisoned for up to 5 years for first offence possession of any amount no matter how small..even though it rarely happens it is still a danger. Plus, new guidlines sends all growers (even one plant) to Crown Court. Maximum sentence for supply (again of even a gram) could be 14years in jail. Our laws are far harsher than they are actually applied thank god.
Fla where the cops dont play! My friend spent 3 years in prison in florida for 28 grams of bud! Third mj arrest both prior where under 20 grams! Father of 2 young boys! The war on drugs is a war on people!
WASHINGTON — The police do not need a warrant to enter a home if they smell burning marijuana, knock loudly, announce themselves and hear what they think is the sound of evidence being destroyed, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday in an 8-to-1 decision.
(This is a new ruling as of May 17th 2011)
The fourth amendment is dead.
Thank god I live in Canada!!
I live in texas and am included in that 77000 in 2009 arrested for possession only.texas spends way too much time and money on people who smoke weed and not enough time on the ones smokin meth and crack.meth is the problem in texas…not a harmless plant.yet if you get caught with that harmless plant,you get treated like you were smokin meth.gotta love the lone star state.fuck texas lawmakers and texas law enforcement! i once had a cop tell me about “the texas 2 step”…if they find your bud and its not a signifigant amount they throw it on and smash it into the ground so you cant have it but they let you go…if that were REALLY the case,i doubt 77000 people would have gotten arrested in 1 year.i got busted with about a dime…you be the judge of the texas 2 step.once again…FUCK TEXAS!
“Peace on earth – to men of good will.”
All – each and every one – of those prohibitionists out there – that we are forced to resist – are fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers. They can be “touched” by some one Genesist. If every “individual Genesist” touches just one other individual of family – the family begins to heal. This is my individual statement, position, and suggestion we do. Get one other individual to agree with this compromise.
“I will – with an eager, open, and clear mind – lay aside all prejudice – adopt a neutral frame of mind – and – examine “only” the complete scientific evidence from all sources of science. The truth is found in the science. Mandate Scientific Conclusion. The truth is also established in religion [Genesis I:29,30,31]. Faith and science agree. The law should agree with the will of the people.
Ok I know this is against the law to do. But i believe when you get dollars bill put 4/20 on them. after about 6 month or so. every time you get a bill it will have 4/20 on it.
John Doe Radio said that OK was lost and to just “get the fuck outta there”. I hope those peeps fighting in that state don’t give up but can you imagine living there under that oppression?
simply shameful in today’s economic times. I hope these paragons of stupidity are real proud of themselves.
It is important to inform citizens about the cannabis policy in these five states because there are many crooked inhumane reasons why they are like that.
Legalize cannabis would end their game.
Please vote out the bad guys in the primaries so there could be some good competition on future elections.
Why is it that when I posted a news flash about a sumpreme court decision that just happened yesterday it was censored? I see NOTHING on Norml about the Kentucky v. King (09-1272). decision! Do you even know what I am talking about?
[Paul Armentano responds: Your post was not deleted and NORML is well aware of the case. In fact, it was discussed in depth on the NORML podcast today. Russ also has a post on the subject here: http://stash.norml.org/supreme-court-eviscerates-4th-amendment-over-marijuana-smell%5D
“Sunday Morning Coming Down”
Well, I woke up Sunday morning
With no way to hold my head that didn’t hurt.
And the beer I had for breakfast wasn’t bad,
So I had one more for dessert.
Then I fumbled in my closet through my clothes
And found my cleanest dirty shirt.
Then I washed my face and combed my hair
And stumbled down the stairs to meet the day.
I’d smoked my mind the night before
With cigarettes and songs I’d been picking.
But I lit my first and watched a small kid
Playing with a can that he was kicking.
Then I walked across the street
And caught the Sunday smell of someone frying chicken.
And Lord, it took me back to something that I’d lost
Somewhere, somehow along the way.
On a Sunday morning sidewalk,
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone.
And there’s nothing short a’ dying
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalk
And Sunday morning coming down.
In the park I saw a daddy
With a laughing little girl that he was swinging.
And I stopped beside a Sunday school
And listened to the songs they were singing.
Then I headed down the street,
And somewhere far away a lonely bell was ringing,
And it echoed through the canyon
Like the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
On a Sunday morning sidewalk,
I’m wishing, Lord, that I was stoned.
‘Cause there’s something in a Sunday
That makes a body feel alone.
And there’s nothing short a’ dying
That’s half as lonesome as the sound
Of the sleeping city sidewalk
And Sunday morning coming down.
They say that if you know one person – you know the whole world. That one person knows another person, and that one other person knows yet another. Word of Mouth – the best form of rapid communication. Friends telling friends. Send two words to a friend – “Pass it on” – “Scientific Conclusion.”
Here’s how it works:
1. 1 + 1 = 2
“That’s two of us.”
2. 2 + 2 = 4
3. 4 + 4 =8
4. 8 + 8 = 16
5. 16 + 16 = 32
6. 32 + 32 = 64
7. 64 + 64 = 128
8. 128 + 128 = 256
9. 256 + 256 = 512
10. 512 + 512 = 1,024
11. 1,024 + 1,024 = 2,048
12. 2,048 + 2,048 = 4,096
13. 4,096 + 4,096 = 8,192
14. 8,192 + 8,192 = 16,384
15. 16,384 + 16,384 = 32,768
16. 32,768 + 32,768 = 65,536
17. 65,536 + 65,536 = 131,072
18. 131,072 + 131,072 = 262,144
19. 262,144 + 262,144 = 524,288
20. 524,288 + 524,288 = 1,048,760
“That’s 1,048,760of us.”
I live in Florida, in fact, I live in probably the toughest county in the state regarding getting caught with personal amounts of pot-Collier.
The problem here is that outside of one or 2 locations its all Sherrif patroled areas, and they have an unwritted, but spoken, policy of running every plate they see on the road. This activity, though not wholly unconstitutional, has lead to my getting arrested 3 times in 3 years-each time getting sentenced to small terms of probation and fines. The 1st occasion was the only one that I actually had pot on me-less than one gram. The 2 times there after-a seed and a my one hitter. The seed was found b/c they brought out a dog. My one hitters was in my pocket when I was pulled from my car w/out probable cause, but the laws are such in this state that it is hard to overcome the probably cause issue once you are out of your vehicle.
Fortunately this may all come to an end quickly b/c the older folds here are quickly discovering MMJ while living in their summer locations and bringing it back w/them during the winter.
Currently there is a pretty active underground movement trying to get the initiative on the next ballot. It will take a few times to get it passed, but at least it will be before the publics eyes
I live in La and dont smoke pot, but I have several medical conditions that could be helped by it, so I would if it were legal.
In a few years, i will retire and move to a more tolerant state, where i can get safe, effective treatment. La will lose all of the money I pay in taxes and fees for the rest of my life.
Thank God some states are moving towards sanity, now we need to deprogram the politicians in Washington DC to stop prohibition and the propaganda machine and the industrial incarceration complex!
The top 5 all red states. Why am I not surprised. The irony, of course, is that the Sens and Reps in these states are probably amongst the loudest hollering about the evils of big government.
Selective outrage.
We’re all aware of the insanity of marijuana prohibition and the political corruption behind it all. Constantly getting worked up over it only energizes and strengthens the madness.
Instead, accept what is and play by the rules. Support NORML, ASA and your local advocacy groups. Know where your candidates stand and vote.
Even though Big Pharma and other threatened industries can afford to bypass the rules, look at all the battles that have been won so far– 16 and counting. Given time, sanity will prevail. Until then, be even more careful than ever.
Why fuel the insanity? Accept it, knowing that its days are indeed numbered. Honestly, I’d rather focus on something positive.
We’re all aware of the insanity of marijuana prohibition and the political corruption behind it all. Constantly getting worked up over it only energizes and strengthens the madness.
Instead, accept what is and play by the rules. Support NORML, ASA and your local advocacy groups. Know where your candidates stand and vote.
Even though Big Pharma and other threatened industries can afford to bypass the rules, look at all the battles that have been won so far– 16 and counting. Given time, sanity will prevail. Until then, be even more careful than ever.
Why fuel the insanity? Accept it, knowing that its days are indeed numbered. Honestly, I’d rather focus on something positive.
“Genesists will never compromise our principals or abandon our cause.”
We know that there are many representatives that “do the peoples business” – and – they themselves are not prohibitionists. These are our brethren in office – and – deserve our whole support. From the ones making the laws to the ones enforcing the laws – anti-prohibs should receive our blessings.
There’s some of this shit that gets in your head and don’t go away. Madness takes its toll. Madness is what we are going through. When you realize the effects of all the atrocities that have befallen us at the hand of prohibs – all that we have endured under the disguise of justice – we must examine or at least question our own sanity – or – we are derelict in our duty to self.
DEMAND/MANDATE SCIENTIFIC CONCLUSION.
This is real BS – destroying evidence ?!
If they knock and hear nothing, then go away the evidence could be destroyed before they return and knock again. Anyway until they are sure a crime has been committed at that address there is no concept of evidence anyway. Smells are not an indication of crime being committed since you may have just finished your last bit and then you are not in possession are you. Very dubious decision – unworthy of any judge !
I think this is the biggest crime of all. Arresting people because you think they are smoking marijuana in the privicy of their homes? Have all of you lost your mind, it’s a plant for Gods sake. The Supreme court, has no right to take the rights that OUR forfathers gave us!!! You or they have no right to, rewrite the amendment or Constituion to fit your agenda. We the people need to vote all of these jerks out of office. I just don’t understand why more people don’t get out and vote and change all of this!!I also don’t understand how or why the same ones are always voted back in?? Do you think they will change, or what??
The laws must change we the people of the united states demand a careing Government not a money makeing Government. I live in Michigan the laws arnt quit as bad as the infamous five states,but they need to be changed as well. The so called Medical Marijuana has driven the price of pot thru the roof and it must be stoped. I should not have to give a doctor $150 for a medical card to use Marijuana,its safer then booze or tobacco or even caffine. Oh wait i foregot its a money game in the Good ole U.S.OF A. were did our values go? were is the pursuit to be happy as long as it dont hurt others? Free Marijuana its just not for smokeing anymore!
I’m in Oklahoma. The amusing thing is, you would think that in a state so caught up in the drug war that people would have given up… that is not the case. We live our lives, we have to hide out, we have to be more careful, but it also breeds a sweetness in the turmoil. We know where the fight lies, we know what happens when the Constitution is trampled, and when we are actually able to get out of here I believe we have a greater understanding of the importance of basic human rights and decency. Are there helicopters over head every night? Yes. Is being pulled over the scariest thing in the world? Yes, but it’s worse in Texas. I hate being here, those that put down the “divine word” and picked up a thought stick simply do not belong. If anyone wants to give a job to a degreed twenty something to get me the hell out of here, I would be much obliged.
Let’s face it – any state is the worst state to get busted in. It’s the getting busted that makes it no better or no less painful. Look – ask yourself – what’s the worst thing that can happen? Then – “accept it.” What’s really amazing here is that once you do that – everything gets better. You’ve got no place to go but up.
“Andrew T Says:
May 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
“…those that put down the “divine word” and picked up a thought stick…”
RE: Andrew,
The SUPREME IRONY of those states whose majority of people claim
unwaivering “belief” in “divine-word” is that their
imperious “war on a plant-species”
(one of many plant-species ALSO “made” by the same Creator-God),
CONTRADICTS the “Holy Writ”
they claim to “believe” in…!!!
Im a two time felon for pot while in Virginia, thank god I left that place…
O how the redneck south fears the enlightened mind. And stop electing republicans people. They want you to keep getting arrested so big pharma keeps giving them their checks. There was a time when America was respected in the world, and now other countries look at us like we are just glorified rednecks who own yachts and hummers and still bitch about our taxes. People that are arrested cant vote to effect change, so please be careful out there. Smoke 4 all around…..
I live in CA. I am moving to FL. Now what? From what I’ve read, if I’m discreet and paranoid (like the old days) it will be ok.
P.S. I am a 70 year old woman with a PhD and a medical condition.
norml why do you guys not create TV commercials. every article i read on the internet, probably 24 out of every 25 people are bewildered at marijuana laws while the other person says its wrong to smoke weed. if that even.. it blows my mind. obviously the majority of the country knows marijuana is relatively safe, minus people with pre-existing mental conditions, and i think anyone would agree that by legalizing marijuana we would vastly, so very vastly eliminate it from teenagers hands whose brains are still developing, as well as eliminate street gangs. WITH MARIJUANA ILLEGAL, THERE IS A CAUSE FOR A “DRUG WAR”, FOR THERE ARE STILL DRUG DEALERS. LEGALIZE IT, AND YOU VASTLY ELIMINATE THE BLACK MARKET! if drug dealers dont have pot to sell, they’ll likely find themselves going BANKRUPT trying to sell the more serious, less popular and much more damaging drugs.
[Editor’s note: NORML’s run TV commercials before…see here. Also, NORML has run many radio, billboards and print ads since 1970s. See here for info about NORML’s ads.
The two main problems with drug policy reform groups running pro-reform commercials are 1) Costs to produce and run sustained campaigns, notably in large and national media markets (to date, no drug policy reform group including NORML has had budgets large enough to make major media buys, i.e. 30 second ad buys during the Super Bowl), and 2) Even with well produced ads and sufficient cash in hand, major media outlets have no legal or moral obligation to run the ads (and most media outlets historically will not run pro-cannabis reform ads).
No doubt that sustained, well conceived and produced pro-reform ads can only help hasten an end to Cannabis Prohibition. No doubt at all.]
Why arent we out there with petitions and protest in the 5 worst states? This is America!!!! So in AZ and FL you go to prison and get a felony? and the rest of the usa gets a slap on the hands??? It should be the same laws in every state, Were suspose to be one country???? Your life is ruined in those 5 states and the rest of the usa nothing happens to you??? are we the people in those 5 states part of the usa??? Cose we dont feel like we are. This is totaly crazy. We the people need to help the people of oppressed states. Our rights and freedom to govern out own body is being stomped on. If anything should be illegal it should be ciggeretts, they cause lung cancer. What cancer dose pot cause????? Cigeretts drain the economy via medical problems in those states, what dose pot drain?? oh ya, the police get 150,000 in fines if they bust you. I would say thats the reason AZ has such tough pot laws. I dont think its for our well being. I think its to collect some easy cash.
all i got to say is 1dime bag life sentences omg and you allow legsl handguns to be bought like candy , and alcohol being sold at corner stores here in canada we have barley any sentances for Marihuana but you get caught with a hand gun and its a instant 4 years in jail when have you heard of a pot head od kill or commit suicide over it,
Well of course that would take away from the money-making LEGAL prescription drug business..and of course the money they make putting “pot” people in jail. Move to another state that isn’t so backward so you don’t have to worry about that sort of thing:)
lol i live in texas……… why was i born here !!! lol its not fair damn it’s extremely cheap housing and flourishing economy. lol
I am 62 and have lived in Florida or Georgia all my life and don’t know anyone who ever went to prison for possession of less than an once. And I’ve known a lot people over the years that got busted. Still, the fear of an over zealous judge looms large for even casual users.
As a VFW Chaplain , service connected viet nam veteran; disabled I find marijuana more effective and less invasive as morphine or hydro cordons. My Drs at the VHS system would rather have me use mm rather than the opiates. In genesis god said he made the herb and said it was good. He made all for the good of his creation. By 2020 it is projected that 60 percent of mm patients will engest THC rather than smoke it. Delivery is a very big part of the marijuana debate. As for me, I am too old to be in pain when I don’t have to be. The VHS has recognized the right of a veteran to use mm in an approved state. Until the govt recognizes state rights, those states who would can’t. End of sermon
Louisiana is really shitty when it comes to possession..i was in court with alot of good people being hit with huge fines for just smelling like pot..ridiculous…its true..dont get caught in this state..it will cost ya…boooooo Louisiana…
I live in Cail so I dont trip ill be posted blazing a dankass blunt while ya niggas be keepin it lowkey
I live in Texas, i love the state and everything about it, except for their pot laws!!! In Austin everyone tokes up and usually cops turn a blind eye, but there is that occasional pig that comes sniffing at your car window…NO WONDER WERE PARANOID!
if these are the top five then indiana is sixth
I would suggest moving to another state 🙂
Approximately 6 years ago..i was arrested in Greenville Pennsylvania. .Mercer county. .. for selling 4.0 grams of marijuana. … first offense and got 2-5 years in an upstate Prison. MUNCY. In the meantime. .. there were women Pedophiles. .. drug queens.. murderers.. doing way less Time. ….. and what kind of a world do we live in
It takes decades to change the mind of a country. I’ve seen a lot of positive change in the last 50 years. I think we could be half way there. In the mean time don’t be their stooge. Grow your own stash and party in a controlled environment. Like your own home.
I wonder if it is not a coincidence that three of the five states on this list are notorious for having to deal with major drug trafficking offenses – Texas, Arizona and Florida? Perhaps that is what gives them an incentive to be hard across the board?
I lived in Missouri all my life and if you got caught in southern mo it was probation,fine 1st offense but selling 1/4 oz you were looking at serving 6 months in county jail fully. Unless you were in Kansas City. Everyone it seemed like bought sold and smoked and you wouldnt get in near as much trouble. KC Cops had bigger things to worry about and needed the jail cell space! Now Ive moved to WAShingto state.And its legal! If you have a medical card you can possess up to 24 ounces.if you dont have med card you can possess up to an ounce. IM LOVING this state. Theyre big on speeding in your car and duis. People working at Walmart here are long haired stoners and dont get fired! Everywhere you go people are very liberal and smell like weed in public. MOVE to Washington keep a clean criminal record!
Alabama should fucking top this list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am so amazed that it is still illegal that has anything to do with marijuana. How many ppl do you know that have died as a result of a car wreck killing a family of five due to the fact that the driver was under the influence of nothing but marijuana ? I have never heard of one such occasion. And yet there are liquor stores on every corner and ppl leaving bars who have obviously been drinking too much to be driving and yet law enforcement turns their heads away at this. People with numerous dwi’s continue to drive after many arrests and on the average get a slap on the wrist, a fine and the occasional 2-3 years in jail. Alcohol is a rampant problem in todays society. Not only for the adult population but with young ppl under age. How many lives have been lost due to alcohol use as opposed to any losses due simply to the use of marijuana??
Arizona isn’t actually that bad
this is fucking reduciouls, they least i think they should do is decrimlized marijuana. when your o.k. state they fucking nail you its fucking bullshit, they should be focucs on get people with harder drugs
Vote Democrat. Republicans are stuck in their old day backward conservative ways.
I was pulled over yesterday on my way to work (I live 4 miles from work) I was going 40 in a 35, officer asked to search my vehicle for drugs and weapons and I said go right ahead, not a problem NOW ive read that I should have told them to get a search warrant, but again I had no clue it was in there.(I obviously DIDNT know there was .03 gram of bud in the truck it was old and dry brittle. Had no clue it was there, so I was given a citation and a court date. Now I face loosing my job, my drivers license for 2 years, and having this on my record for the rest of my life. I just moved to this state a month ago from Georgia, I dont even have a Florida drivers license yet. Something has to be done about this bullshit pot laws. I’m so depressed, its going to cost me $$$$$ that I dont have to get through this.
In Louisiana the fines and punishments for using weed is very low, at least to minors.Most people don’t even get arrested.The most common thing that will happen is expellition ,6 months probation,and alternative school.This story is a bunch of bullshit.
Jason Payne: I am not an attorney however, this is the smmation of much of what I have read and used.
NEVER “let” a police officer search anything.
When a police officer stops you, provide your information, DL and registration if asked. Wait for the police officer to TELL YOU why he pulled you over. He may wait until after he runs your information.
If upon return he does NOT articulate cause, then ask him to ARTICULATE his cause for stopping you. He must comply. THEN ASK IF YOU CAN CONTINUE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. If he sais yes, the thank him and LEAVE immediately.
If an officer asks to search your vehicle or person, ask him to ARTICULATE his cause and justify the need to do so.
After the explanation, ask if you can can continue on your business, it does NOT matter what reason he gives, unless he has arrested you for other than a civil infraction (speeding ticket etc)
IF the officer tells you NO (you can’t leave), then ask what charges he has arrested you for. This places the officer on notice that he has already arrested you (taken you into custody and stopped your right to continue about your business). THis is a problem for 99% of all stops. it also creates the LEGAL requirement to articulate the actual charges and place you under arrest or to write a citation and release you.
ANY time an officer asks to search anything, tell them NO.
If the officer asks you to step out of your car, roll up your windows, step out and LOCK THE DOORS. DO NOT LEAVE THEM UNLOCKED AT ALL.
The officer will ALWAYS ask why you dont want them to search and what you have to hide. Tell the officer “United States and State Constitutions protects me from unwarranted and unreasonable search and seizure”.
Immediately ask again if you can continue about your business. THIS IS IMPORTANT, this is the third time you have asked.
If he asks again tell him “no you may not search my person or my vehicle.”. DO NOT GIVE ANY OTHER STATMENT NO MATTER WHAT.
If the officer continues to hold you there against your will, demand a supervisor be sent to the site immiadately. If the officer tells you he is a supervisor tell him to get his direct superior there immediately.
Explain to any supervisor that you have already asked to go about your business X times and have been denied and not cited or given a statement of charges.
Remember that the more times you ask if you can continue on your business, the more trouble the officer faces for not writing a citation or making an arrest and keeping you from your business.
Remember to file a formal complaint against the officer if he holds you at all without charges or attempts ot search your vehicle without haveing made an arrest for more than a civil violation (misdemeanor or felony charge). EVen if he continually asks to search and will not let you leave. This is abuse of power, attempting to make you wave a constitutional right before he will let you go.
Do NOT resist, however always state your rights and use the word “Articulate” . This word is the LEGAL notification that you understand your rights and that he must comply. It is the word that the supreme courts use in each decisison they make regarding police actions.
Remember, of the officer can NOT explain it legally correctly he has violated your rights under law.
Wawww, what a number. This is the highest number i’ve ever known for a marijuana case.
Oklahoma has the toughest marijuana laws by yet Oklahoma County Sheriff Wetsel can break the law. He has been sued by OU medical center 3 times for not paying medical bills for inmates. He didn’t pay $900k and it cost us Oklahoma tax payers millions of dollars. Wetsel refused inmates medical service and released them from jail and dropped sick inmates off at OU medical so us doctors helped them and the corrupted oklahoma Sherrif didn’t pay carp because he is too busy skimming off the top and stupid okies keep voting him back into office. No wonder that state couldn’t get a pro sports team for years and they finally got the thunder from sheer incompetence by the Seattle owner. When they lose Kevin Durant they will be off the band wagon until something else good cones around. Oklahoma is full of racist red neck trailer park trash dirty poor idiots that commit incest and produce mentally disabled children. They are a bunch of moon shine miller high life drinking alcoholics that are pure white trash. No wonder they get earthquakes and tornados and have home frown terrorist blow up their own buildings. Because oklahoma is full of evil. No body wanted the land in oklahoma that’s why they gave it to the Indians. Now the indians are sucking them dry with the Indian casinos all the r ednecks are blowing their checks on gambling and drinking.
I agree. Oklahoma is full of apostates. They claim to be religious but they are hypocrites and hate anything that’s different. If your a redneck then you will fit in. But if your a normal educated american then you already know to avoid Oklahoma. No wonder it is dirt cheap to live their. You can buy a mansion for only $7000 a month. I paid more then that for my apartment in new York. Oklahoma is dirt cheap to live there but its not worth it because it is a very boring and bland state. Crappy weather, crappy food , no rolling hills or any type of natural landscape. If they were smart they would legalize marijuana and collect tax off it to improve their state but their too stupid to do that. They would rather have drunks fighting and wrecking then legalize something harmless like pot. They would also rather be meth heads then pot heads. Oklahoma sure loves their meth and Wal-Mart’s. Lol. Hahaha. Pure trash. The most trashiest dirtiest ignorant meth heads in the world.
Need to update your site. In kansas now if your caught with 450 grams of marijuana your facing a mandatory minimum of 8 years in prison and anything over 25 grams is 54 months. Scary stuff.
Its time the decisions about sentencing goes back to the judges and not politicians and lawmakers looking for promotions. They are only ruining lives and destroying families. Marijuana isn’t going away and it was only made illegal off of made up propaganda.
I live in Oklahoma and got busted with about 1/2 a gram and not only do I have to pay a $1600 fine, having a drug charge on my record means no more student loans, grants, scholarships, any private loans I take out will have a high risk interest rate, I pretty much will never have a nice job, and worse of all the dreams of becoming an engineer I’ve been working towards my whole life are now almost certainly gone.
And I’m not alone I’ve just joined a new club sorta speak with many other people who in some cases are highly intelligent.
I don’t smoke pot. Never did like the high, nor do I smoke cigs. However the mandatory sentencing laws are hypocritical to the extreme. I am sure the DUI laws drug laws and other non violent laws are simply there for the state to extract money from the poor and very most helpless of citizens. Small comfort that history will condemn the law makers and Gestapo power worshiping cops that do their bidding. They are all no better than the murderous Islamic terrorists, they simply destroy lives by using ill-moral sentencing laws rather than explosives. Lives ruined because a citizen possessed or used a harmless but so called illegal herb. I despise all of them because they know what they are doing is evil and seem to enjoy destroying families, lives and everything good. GODDAMN ALL OF THEM. They are public servants, I would like to see them prosecute violent criminals who get off eaiser in the court system than drug offenders do. Its a nutty evil screwed up system and we, the nonviolent protesters and those that live in what was once a freedom loving country who cant use an herb for medicine or recreation who are suffering their stupidity.
I seen in the news paper the other day in Kansas that someone did a drive by and received probation. In the same news paper someone scammed 88 thousand dollars from his customers and received probation but then in the same paper someone selling marijuana received 96 months in prison for 1 pound. And lawmakers dont under stand why the entire country says the justice system in broken. Only dumb ass lawmakers could possibly think that violent crimes or stealing almost 100k isnt as bad as selling marijuana.
Marijuana will be legalized at the federal level as soon as we elect a non-muslim president. Any sitting president that is clueless on terrorism and refuses to be proactive on marijuana laws is practicing sharia law as far as I am concerned.
Can you share the average fine for having been prosecuted for not having a top on their outdoor crop in Michigan?
Thank you Massachusetts. All good here.
Fuck all these states…