Marijuana possession charges vary worldwide. Many countries have legalized medical use or decriminalized small amounts for personal use. Possession of larger amounts or in states where it is not decriminalized can result in charges. Penalties vary by jurisdiction, with some countries having no distinction between marijuana and more serious drugs.
Jurisdictions around the world vary greatly in the type of marijuana possession charges that can be brought against a person. Many countries have legalized the medical use of marijuana or have decriminalized the possession of small amounts for personal use. Within countries where any possession is still illegal, the severity of the charge and, therefore, the severity of the possible fine, generally depends on how much marijuana the person has.
In general, most justice systems around the world classify these charges as a misdemeanor or possession of tort, with felonies being the more serious crimes. In many places, possession of a small amount of marijuana is a felony. Larger amounts that may be intended for sale are charged as a crime.
A number of countries have also decriminalized the possession of marijuana in small quantities. The effect of decriminalization generally means that charges of possession of marijuana, in a criminal sense, will not apply to a person found with a small amount intended for personal use. Uruguay, Switzerland, Israel and Mexico, for example, have decriminalized this type of possession. In many other countries, though technically illegal, the recreational use of marijuana is widely accepted and rarely punished. Costa Rica, Cambodia, and Iran are examples of countries where, while illegal, marijuana is sold and smoked openly without significant risk of prosecution.
Medicinal use of marijuana is also permitted in many countries for people suffering from a variety of ailments. Within the United States, 15 states allow medicinal use of marijuana as of 2011, and 12 have decriminalized the use of small amounts. If, however, a person is found in possession of larger amounts or is caught in a state that has not decriminalized possession, then charges may be filed. The distinction between misdemeanor and criminal possession will vary by state; however, more than 1 ounce (28 grams) is a common standard by which felony charges are measured.
The penalty for being convicted of marijuana possession will also vary greatly by jurisdiction. In the United States, felony possession generally carries a possible sentence of one year or less in prison, while a felony conviction can carry a sentence of one year or more in prison. In most countries, the possible penalty for possession of marijuana is less than for possession of other, more serious drugs; however, in some countries, such as Hungary, there is no distinction between possession of marijuana or a more serious controlled substance, such as heroin.
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