What are the consequences for possession of marijuana?

Answer 1

Is possession of marijuana a criminal offense?

Yes. Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. You don't have to be the owner - you just have to have, or possess, the marijuana. There are medical exceptions. If you are charged with possession of marijuana, you should speak to a lawyer. What must the prosecutor prove to convict you? What can you do?

In court, the prosecutor, also called the crown counsel, must prove - beyond a reasonable doubt - that you: * had control of the marijuana - for example, the police found it on you or in an area you controlled, such as a car, suitcase, or bedroom, and * knew the marijuana was there. If the prosecutor proves both these things, the judge may convict you. To prove these things, the prosecutor will have witnesses - normally the police officer who arrested you - tell the court (or testify) about the situation when they found the marijuana on you. They testify under oath, which means they promise to tell the truth. You can question, or cross-examine, each witness the prosecutor uses. After the prosecutor finishes, you - and your witnesses, if you have any - can tell the court what happened. To do this, you have to take an oath promising to tell the truth, and then give evidence as a witness. If you have any witnesses who saw what happened and who can support your story, you can call them to testify, or give evidence. They also have to promise to tell the truth. You then question them about what they know. When you and your witnesses finish giving evidence, the prosecutor can question, or cross-examine, you and them. Lastly, you and the prosecutor summarize your positions by making "submissions" to the court. For more information, refer to script 211, called "Defending yourself against a criminal charge", and script 212, called "Pleading guilty to a criminal charge". Is the amount of marijuana important?

Yes - a small amount is less serious. The more you have, the greater the chance that you may be charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, a more serious offense with more serious penalties. The way the marijuana is packaged is also important. What are the penalties?

If a judge convicts you, you may get a criminal record. For a first conviction, the maximum penalties are a fine of $1000 or 6 months in jail, or both. But the penalty for a first offense is usually much less. A judge can also give you a discharge - for information on this, refer to script 203, called "Conditional sentences, probation and discharges." A criminal record can prevent you from traveling to other countries, getting certain jobs, being bonded (which some jobs require), and applying for citizenship. Refer to script 205, called "Criminal Records and Applying for a Pardon," for more information. The legal issues for this offense can be complex and a conviction can seriously harm you. If you are charged with this crime, you should talk to a lawyer.

Answer 2

Consequences for possession of marijuana can vary depending on the jurisdiction and amount involved. In general, consequences can include fines, potential jail time, a criminal record, and restrictions on employment opportunities. These consequences may also impact an individual's ability to travel or receive federal financial aid.