California Marijuana Law - Offenses and Penal Codes

California Marijuana Law -

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Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States. According to the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), more than 83 million people in the United States (37 percent) age 12 or older, have smoked marijuana.

The major active chemical in marijuana is delat-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (commonly referred to as THC), which causes the psychoactive alterations. Marijuana's effects begin immediately after inhalation and can last for several hours.

The drug can be addictive and can interfere with work and family. As of today, there are not many treatment programs for marijuana, even though most abusers of marijuana also abuse some other drug or chemical.

Marijuana Offenses

The various punishments and offenses for marijuana related offenses. The California Penal Codes are as follows:

Health & Safety Code (H&S) §11357(b) - Possession of 28.5 grams (1 oz.) or less, is punishable by fine of not more than $100.
H&S §11357(a) - Possession of more than 28.5 grams (1 oz.), is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months, 2 years or 3 years.
H&S §11358 - Cultivating or harvesting marijuana, is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months, 2 years or 3 years.
H&S §11359 - Possession of marijuana for sale, is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months, 2 years or 3 years.
H&S §113560 - Sale or Transportation of marijuana is punishable by imprisonment for 16 months, 2 years or 3 years.

Diversion Program

There are some diversion programs for marijuana addiction in the counties of California. Please view Drug Treatment and Diversion Programs in the Diversion Programs of this web site California Criminal Law.com.