Although Maryland has lessened the penalties for simple possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use, selling “weed” is still a criminal activity.
A Towson, Maryland, resident faces felony charges over allegedly selling marijuana and THC wax in the State College area, according to a Daily Collegian report based on recently filed court documents. The man’s alleged activities were brought to the attention of authorities after a confidential informant told them in September 2017 that the informant had purchased drugs from the man twice in the past several months. A father and son in Aberdeen, Maryland were recently charged with drug distribution and illegal firearm possession charges
Penalties for Selling Marijuana in Maryland
Possession with intent to distribute less than 50 pounds of marijuana in Maryland is a felony with a punishment of up to five years of imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $15,000.
Selling marijuana is a felony with a penalty of up to five years and/or a fine of up to $15,000. If caught selling 50 pounds or more, it’s a felony with not less than 40 years jail time.
“Drug kingpin” or charges of trafficking can lead to prison time from 20 to 40 years and/or a $1 million fine. A “drug kingpin” is someone who is believed to be a supervisor, organizer, manager or financier and who acts as part of a conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, transport or bring into the state at least 50 pounds of marijuana.
If a person brings 45 kilograms or more of marijuana into Maryland, then they could be found guilty of a felony, subject to imprisonment not exceeding 25 years and fine not exceeding $50,000.
Possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute on school property or within 1,000 feet of school property is a felony and is punishable, for a first violation, with jail time of no more than 20 years and a fine not exceeding $20,000.
If an adult uses or solicits a minor in a conspiracy to distribute, deliver or manufacture marijuana, then the adult is guilty of a felony and is subject to imprisonment of with a maximum term of 20 years or a maximum fine of $20,000.
Advertising the distribution of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor and can be punished, for a first violation, with a fine not exceeding $500 and for each subsequent violation with imprisonment not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding $2,000.
Offenders who have previously been convicted of possession with intent to distribute will receive a mandatory minimum sentence of two years.
If you are charged with marijuana distribution and selling in Maryland, you should talk to a Maryland criminal defense attorney. A Baltimore drug lawyer can get the charges reduced or work out a plea bargain, among other defense options. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Thomas J. Maronick have experience handling these cases. You can contact Thomas Maronick on his cellphone at 410-402-5571, the law office at 410-402-5571 or via our website for a free consultation.