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.
New York
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 Citations
Unlawful possession of marijuana (1st offense) A person who possesses less than 25 grams of marijuana. Fine: Up to $100 Imprisonment: None
Unlawful possession of marijuana (2nd offense) A person who possesses less than 25 grams of marijuana with a prior offense for this crime. Fine: Up to $200 Imprisonment: None
Misdemeanors
Unlawful possession of marijuana (3rd or subsequent offense) A person who possesses less than 25 grams of marijuana with two or more prior offenses for this crime. Fine: Up to $250 Imprisonment: Up to 15 days
Unlawful possession of marijuana A person who possesses 25 grams to 2 ounces of marijuana. Fine: Up to $500 Imprisonment: Up to 3 months
A person who possesses 2 ounces to 8 ounces of marijuana. Fine: Up to $1,000 Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Distribution of marijuana (without monetary exchange) A person who distributes 2 grams or less of marijuana for no monetary exchange. Fine: Up to $500 Imprisonment: Up to 3 months
Unlawful sale of marijuana Any person who manufactures, sells, prescribes, administers, or transports or possesses with intent to sell, dispense, or compound less than 25 grams of marijuana. Fine: Up to $1,000 Imprisonment: Up to 1 year
Felonies
Unlawful possession of marijuana
A person who possesses 8 ounces to 16 ounces of marijuana. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 1.5 years
Unlawful possession of marijuana
A person who possesses 16 ounces to 10 pounds of marijuana. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 2.5 years
Unlawful possession of marijuana
A person who possesses 10 pounds or more of marijuana. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 5.5 years
Unlawful sale of marijuana
Any person who manufactures, sells, prescribes, administers, or transports or possesses with intent to sell, dispense, or compound 25 grams to 4 ounces of marijuana. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 1.5 years
More than 4 ounces, but less than 16 ounces of marijuana. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 1.5 years
Greater than 16 ounces Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 5.5 years
Unlawful sale of marijuana to a minor
Any person who manufactures, sells, prescribes, administers, or transports or possesses with intent to sell, dispense, or compound any amount of marijuana to any person under the age of 18. Fine: Up to $5,000 Imprisonment: 1 to 2.5 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.
Source
The New York State Consolidated Laws
221.00, 221.05, 221.10, 221.15, 221.20, 221.25, 221.30, 221.35, 221.40, 221.45, 221.50, 221.55
FBI Uniform Crimes Report
