The graphs below represents how lenient or strict the marijuana laws are in your state compared to Maine, Hawaii, and Connecticut. This determination is based on level of enforcement, weight limits, fines and/or time imprisoned. This determination is also based on how strict penalties are for repeat offenders and proximity to certain drug restricted areas such as school zones and public parks.
Maryland
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Connecticut
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Hawaii
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Maine
Lenient
Moderately Lenient
Moderate
Moderately Strict
Strict
Civil Violations
Medical use of Marijuana
This applies when the court finds that the person used of possessed marijuana because of a medical necessity.
Fine: Up to $100 Imprisonment: None
Misdemeanors
Unlawful possession of marijuana
Any person who possesses any amount of marijuana. Fine: Up to $1,000 Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Possession/Use/Sale of drug paraphernalia Any possession/use/sale of drug paraphernalia used to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, or repack the marijuana. Fine: Up to $500 Imprisonment: None
Felonies
Unlawful Sale of Marijuana (less than 50 lbs.)
Involving the sale of marijuana with a weight of less than 50 pounds.
Fine: Up to $15,000 Imprisonment: Up to 5 years
Unlawful Sale of Marijuana (50 lbs. or more)
Involving the sale of marijuana with a weight of 50 pounds or more (Mandatory 5-year prison sentence running consecutively to prison term imposed for violating other drug laws).
Fine: Up to $100,000 Imprisonment: MMI 5 years
MMI= Mandatory Minimum Imprisonment
Importation (5 to 45 kg)
Unless authorized by law to possess the substance, a person may not bring into the State 5 to 45 kg of marijuana.
Fine: Up to $10,000 Imprisonment: Up to 10 years
Importation (more than 45 kg)
Unless authorized by law to possess the substance, a person may not bring into the State 45 kg or more of marijuana.
Fine: Up to $50,000 Imprisonment: Up to 25 years
Possession/Use/Sale of drug paraphernalia (2nd offense)
Any possession/use/sale of drug paraphernalia used to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, sell or distribute the marijuana while already having committed a prior offense.
Fine: Up to $2,000 Imprisonment: Up to 2 years
United States Marijuana Arrest Trends
The graphs below represent the trends in marijuana arrests from 1990 to 2005 in the United States. With the higher amount of arrests also comes tens and billions of more dollars spent on enforcement, adjudication, and imprisonment for marijuana related offenses.
