Tag Archives: Marijuana charges

Unpacking the Legal Status of Marijuana Across the United States

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The cannabis industry is rapidly evolving in the United States as more states legalize cannabis for medical and/or recreational use. With this shift, it can be difficult to keep up with the changing legal status of cannabis across the country. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at cannabis laws across the nation, discuss differences between medical and recreational cannabis use, and explore what the future may hold for cannabis legalization nationwide. We’ll also dive into Indiana’s specific laws regarding marijuana.

By understanding these rules, you can stay informed on your rights and responsibilities when it comes to cannabis consumption. Let’s get started!

Call Our Indianapolis Marijuana Criminal Lawyers at 317-636-7514 Today.
Call Our Indianapolis Marijuana Criminal Lawyers at 317-636-7514 Today.

Cannabis Laws Across the United States

The marijuana laws across the United States have changed rapidly in recent years, although marijuana is still illegal at the federal level. Each state has adopted different marijuana regulations, resulting in a patchwork of marijuana laws that vary between jurisdictions. Some states are more lenient than others, allowing marijuana use for medicinal purposes while others permit recreational marijuana consumption.

Despite this variance, it’s important to remember that cannabis remains illegal at the federal level and possession and sale of marijuana can lead to serious legal consequences when crossing state lines or entering federal property. With changing public opinion on marijuana, research has indicated that legal marijuana markets can provide economic benefits with proper regulation and taxation. This could be a potential source of revenue for governments struggling with budget deficits due to Covid-19 related loss income.

Differences Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis Use

Cannabis, marijuana, or weed is used for pleasure and medical purposes throughout the world. However, there are significant differences between marijuana used for recreational and medicinal purposes. Generally, marijuana studied for medicinal use contains much higher levels of cannabidiol (CBD), which may only contain a fraction of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD is known to have calming effects without producing psychoactive effects like THC.

In contrast, marijuana intended for recreational use typically has higher THC levels, which can cause euphoric feelings in users but might also result in adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia. Furthermore, marijuana used in medical settings is subject to strict legislation, while marijuana purchased on the market outside of medical prescriptions may be illegal even in areas where marijuana has been decriminalized.

CBD Laws in the USA

CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a popular ingredient in health and beauty products because of its potential therapeutic properties. CBD laws in the U.S. can be complicated as CBD is derived from cannabis and hemp plants, both of which have varying levels of legal status in different states. CBD is currently legal as a component of hemp-derived products at a federal level, though some states regulate CBD more than others. Despite this complexity, CBD dispensary businesses have been popping up across the nation due to consumer demand for CBD-infused goods ranging from topicals to edibles. That being said, there still is much confusion about its status so it’s important for potential customers to stay informed on the CBD laws in their own state before making decisions.

Indiana Laws Regarding Marijuana

Indiana laws regarding marijuana are relatively restrictive, but changes have been made to reflect a more permissive stance towards cannabis. Marijuana is still considered illegal for recreational use in Indiana; however, recent legislation allows the sale and consumption of products such as CBD oil, which contain tremendously low levels of THC. Possession or consumption of recreational marijuana can result in fines and jail time; nevertheless, this is only true if an individual has more than 30 grams of the drug.

Presently, medical marijuana use is outlawed in Indiana. This year marks a turning point as 13 cannabis-related bills have been introduced to address issues such as the medicinal application of marijuana and decriminalization of possession. Although changes have been made to Indiana’s marijuana laws, it is important for individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to cannabis in the state.

If you have been charged with a marijuana crime in Indianapolis, Indiana, don’t wait another moment to get the help you need. Attorney David E. Lewis is an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will fight for your rights and provide you with the best legal counsel available. Contact us today at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting, today.

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Is Marijuana Legal in Indiana Yet?

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Anyone from the far past who steps foot into our current world might be shocked to see that recreational and medical marijuana usage has been legalized in so many areas of the world. But even though there are so many states in our very own U.S.A., the Hoosier state is not on board quite yet. Although there have been some lenient changes in some Indianapolis jurisdictions, namely Marion County, marijuana usage, possession, horticulture, distribution, and trafficking are all illegal. This means they also come with strict penalties that will reside within your permanent record, forever.

Continue below to learn the Indiana penalties for marijuana charges, and what you need to do to protect your rights after being arrested for a marijuana crime in Indianapolis.

Marijuana is Not Legal in Indianapolis, Nor Anywhere in Indiana.

The Possible Consequences of Violating Marijuana Laws in Indiana

Whether you call it weed, cannabis, pot, or ganja, marijuana is still illegal here in Indiana. If you are caught in possession or weed, or caught using, dealing, growing, or trafficking, you could face a wide scope of penalties, both on a state and federal level. Even juveniles under the age of 18 will be subjected to legal penalties if arrested or charged with marijuana. From joints, blunts, and pipes, to vape pens, edibles, and more, all forms of marijuana are illegal in our state. Furthermore, it is illegal to buy marijuana in Illinois, Chicago, or other state that has legalized recreational use, and bring it back to Indiana. The only exception to the Indiana marijuana rule is that very recently, Marion County granted legal leniency for minor marijuana offenses.

Common Marijuana Offenses include Possession, Possession w/Intent to Distribute, Manufacturing, and Trafficking / Dealing

Defendants Can Be Penalized Further if:

► Manufacturing Marijuana
► Priors for Dealing Drugs
► Dealing to a Minor
► Dealing to Someone 3 Years One’s Junior
► Possession of Firearm
► Crime Took Place in a Drug-Free Zone
► Crime Took Place in the Presence of Children
► Crime Took Place in on School Grounds or Within 500 Feet
► Crime Took Place in on or Within 500 Feet of a Park or School Bus

How Indiana Penalizes Marijuana Crimes:

►► Under 30 Grams: Class A Misdemeanor – Up to 1 Year in Jail – Up to $5,000 in Fines

►► Over 30 Grams: Level 6 Felony – Up to 3 Years in Prison – Up to $10,000 in Fines

Where to Find Aggressive Criminal Defense for Marijuana Charges in Indiana

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn how you can beat your Indiana marijuana charges with aggressive defense. Attorney David E. Lewis is your solution to reducing your sentence, and protecting your freedom. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so you do not have to pay anything to simply talk to a lawyer and get advice on how to approach your charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your online, over-the-phone, or in-office appointment, today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Is Weed Legal in Indiana?

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With so many other states in the country making or having made specific amendments to legalize or decriminalize cannabis, it is no surprise that many United States civilians are having trouble keeping track of which states are on board and which are not. This is especially the case with the recent elections taking place. Continue below to learn the current weed laws in Indiana, and what you need to do if you are facing charges for marijuana right now.

Indianapolis Marijuana Criminal Attorney
Indianapolis Marijuana Criminal Attorney 317-636-7514

Weed is Not Legal in Indiana

Although states like Colorado, Illinois, Arizona, and even Washington have passed laws that allow medical marijuana, or legalized and decriminalized weed in some way, Indiana is not there yet. In Indiana, weed is illegal. In Marion County, on the state level, marijuana crimes have been decriminalized in some way, but that does not mean it is decriminalized on a federal level. Federal law always trumps state law in the case of question. And as for cannabis, it is illegal under federal law by way of the Controlled Substance Act.

Here in Indiana, marijuana possession under 30 grams is a Class A Misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor level. It is punishable by up to one year in jail, and up to $5,000 in fines. For crimes of marijuana sales, cultivation (growing), and trafficking, the charges jump to a federal level, and the penalties are much harsher.

Indiana Code 35-48-2-1, et seq.; 35-48-4-10, 11 – Marijuana Possession and Sales

⚖► Possession Under 30 Grams – Class A Misdemeanor; Up to 1 Year in Jail; Up to $5,000 in Fines

⚖► Possession Over 30 Grams – Level 6 Felony; ½ to 2 ½ Years in Jail. Up to $10,000 in fines.

⚖► Sales 3o Grams to 10 Pounds– Level 6 Felony; ½ to 2 ½ Years in Jail. Up to $10,000 in fines.

⚖► Sales 10 Pounds or More – Level 5 Felony; 1 to 6 Years in Jail; Up to $10,000 in fines.

Were You Arrested for Marijuana Possession in Indianapolis?

If you were recently arrested for a marijuana crime in Indianapolis, your most critical priority is to hire an aggressive criminal defense lawyer to fight your charges, and avoid conviction. Choose a skilled and experienced criminal attorney who specializes in Indiana marijuana drug crimes.

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer who will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We understand just how unsettling a marijuana charge can be for our clients. We know drug crimes immediately affect several aspects of a person’s life, as well as their families.

Whether arrested for recreational possession or large-scale trafficking, we provide our clients with the most effective legal strategies and options in order to best resolve their legal issues and protect their freedoms. Case dismissals, reductions, and alternative sentencing agreements for marijuana charges are absolutely possible when you call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

The Penalties for Getting Caught With Marijuana in Indiana

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Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Although there has been a rising trend of legalizing certain forms of marijuana possession, use, and cultivation throughout the country, Indiana is not a state that has joined in with the rest. Marijuana laws are still in full-effect, which means the possession, use, and cultivation of marijuana is still very-much illegal in all senses. If you are caught breaking any drug possession laws for marijuana, you are bound to face penalties. Continue reading to learn what you can expect if you are facing marijuana possession charges in Indiana.

Indiana Marijuana Laws

Under Indiana criminal law, marijuana also includes hash and hash oil. The legal ramifications you face depend on the amount of marijuana you are caught with, and your intended use. Penalties are harsher for those who intend to sell or distribute marijuana, rather than those who only intend to use it for personal use. Then there are several enhancements that can increase the penalties you face for possession of marijuana. Common enhancements factored into drug possession penalties include priors, manufacturing, within 500 feet of school grounds or school bus, in the presence of children, dealing to minors, and more. If any of these factors are true of your crime, penalties will likely be more severe.

Under 30 Grams of Marijuana =

‣ Class A Misdemeanor
‣ Up to 1 Year in Jail
‣ Up to $5,000 in Fines

Over 30 Grams of Marijuana =

‣ Level 6 Felony
‣ Up to 3 Years in Prison
‣ Up to $10,000 in Fines

Enhancements and Conditional Discharges

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

If certain enhancements apply, including intent to sell and distribute, charges can be increased to Level 5 felonies, which are punishable by up to 8 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. If a person is caught for the first time with marijuana, they may be eligible for “conditional discharge”, which is basically a “free pass” on a marijuana charge. Upon conditional discharge, an offender is usually ordered to perform other forms of penalties, including supervised probation, random drug screening, community service, and fines.

Marijuana charges are not simple. They vary from case to case, and can be quite complex. For this reason, it is vital to hire an experienced Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer if you are facing marijuana charges in Indiana. They have the knowledge and resources necessary to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis IN

Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you are facing drug charges in Indiana. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. Our criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies for defense. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule yours, today.