If you use marijuana, there was good news earlier this year. In March, the New Mexico Governor signed a bill that makes some marijuana use legal.
As with similar efforts across the country, the relaxation of cannabis laws is limited. If you think it applies to you when it doesn’t, you too could end up behind bars along with the thousands who fill the countries jails and prisons due to drug crime convictions.
Here are some questions to consider:
How old are you?
If you are under 21, forget it. The new law does not apply to you, and any dealings you have with marijuana could lead to drug education classes or community service as a minimum.
What are you doing with the marijuana, and how much do you have?
Let’ say you are aged 21 or older. You can legally do the following:
- Buy, possess or give someone else over 21 — two ounces of marijuana, 16 grams of marijuana concentrate or 800 milligrams of edible cannabis. If you want to store more, it must be in a locked place in your home.
- Grow 12 marijuana plants, but no more than six can be mature at any one time.
- Bake hash brownies or similar, but do not put them in the cookie jar if you have kids.
- Own bongs, pipes and other such equipment.
What can’t you do with marijuana?
You cannot use marijuana in public or have more than two ounces in a public place. You cannot give marijuana to a minor, be it in raw form or a cookie. If you are making money from cannabis, you need a license, and you need to register your business and pay tax.
If you face marijuana charges, it is crucial to understand the laws. If you can show that police misunderstood your situation, misinterpreted the rules or lack evidence to back up their accusations, you may be able to avoid criminal consequences.
